Abstract
Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are being integrated into U.S. strategies to expand the services that are available during health security threats like disasters. Identifying better ways to classify NGOs and their services could optimize disaster planning. We surveyed NGOs about the types of services they provided during different disaster phases. Survey responses were used to categorize NGO services as core—critical to fulfilling their organizational mission—or adaptive—services implemented during a disaster based on community need. We also classified NGOs as being core or adaptive types of organizations by calculating the percentage of each NGO’s services classified as core. Service types classified as core were mainly social services, while adaptive service types were those typically relied upon during disasters (e.g., warehousing, food services, etc.). In total, 120 NGOs were classified as core organizations, meaning they mainly provided the same services across disaster phases, while 100 NGOs were adaptive organizations, meaning their services changed. Adaptive NGOs were eight times more likely to report routinely participating in disaster planning as compared to core NGOs. One reason for this association may be that adaptive NGOs are more aware of the changing needs in their communities across disaster phases because of their involvement in disaster planning.
Highlights
The contribution of local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the U.S and abroad in disaster planning, response, and recovery has been well demonstrated [1]
The U.S government has integrated NGOs into national strategies, including the National Health Security Strategy and Implementation Plan 2015–2018 [6], which promotes a framework in which local, state, and federal agencies collaborate with NGOs and businesses to advance national health security
The purpose of the survey was to answer three questions: (1) What services do NGOs provide during disaster response? (2) How do these disaster services differ from services provided during routine times or long-term disaster recovery? (3) How is the NGO provision of services during times of disaster associated with their regular participation in disaster planning in their communities?
Summary
The contribution of local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in the U.S and abroad in disaster planning, response, and recovery has been well demonstrated [1]. The U.S government has integrated NGOs into national strategies, including the National Health Security Strategy and Implementation Plan 2015–2018 [6], which promotes a framework in which local, state, and federal agencies collaborate with NGOs and businesses to advance national health security. This framework strongly emphasizes integrated planning as an activity that includes NGOs, public health agencies, emergency management, faith-based groups and others across communities. Prior evidence of progress in better integration of planning includes an expansion of regional planning alliances and participation of organizations in coalitions for emergency planning
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
