Abstract
Community-based organizations have a long history of engagement with public health issues; these relationships can contribute to disaster preparedness (1,2). Preparedness training improves response capacity and strengthens overall resilience (1). Recognizing the importance of community-based organizations in community preparedness, the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response in New York City's (NYC's) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) launched a community preparedness program in 2016 (3), which engaged two community sectors (human services and faith-based). To strengthen community preparedness for public health emergencies in human services organizations and faith-based organizations, the community preparedness program conducted eight in-person preparedness trainings. Each training focused on preparedness topics, including developing plans for 1) continuity of operations, 2) emergency management, 3) volunteer management, 4) emergency communications, 5) emergency notification systems, 6) communication with persons at risk, 7) assessing emergency resources, and 8) establishing dedicated emergency funds (2,3). To evaluate training effectiveness, data obtained through online surveys administered during June-September 2018 were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Previously described preparedness indicators among trained human services organizations and faith-based organizations were compared with those of organizations that were not trained (3). Participation in the community preparedness program training was associated with increased odds of meeting preparedness indicators. NYC's community preparedness program can serve as a model for other health departments seeking to build community preparedness through partnership with community-based organizations.
Highlights
Participation in community preparedness training was associated with higher preparedness levels among New York City (NYC) human services organizations and faith-based organizations
The NYC community preparedness program model might serve as an example for local health departments seeking methods to engage communities and strengthen readiness for an increasing range and intensity of disasters (3)
Having community-based organizations meet preparedness standards might increase critical support to many socially and economically diverse communities during emergencies and increase the possibility of saving lives and reducing morbidity following a large-scale disaster
Summary
Participation in Community Preparedness Programs in Human Services Organizations and Faith-. Recognizing the importance of community-based organizations in community preparedness, the Office of Emergency Preparedness and Response in New York City’s (NYC’s) Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) launched a community preparedness program in 2016 (3), which engaged two community sectors (human services and faith-based). To strengthen community preparedness for public health emergencies in human services organizations and faithbased organizations, the community preparedness program conducted eight in-person preparedness trainings. The sector lead organizations build and strengthen partnerships within their constituents through emergency planning with community organizations to provide connections with the public health preparedness and recovery structure (1–4). Training participants were briefed on the NYC government’s plan to address citywide emergencies and multiple large-scale incidents, highlighting the roles and responsibilities of human services organizations and faith-based organizations.
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