Greetings!

This spring and early summer have unfortunately brought both man-made and natural disasters to several regions of the country and world. On behalf of the CHW Section, I would like to offer our sincere prayers and thoughts to all who have been affected both in and outside of the United States. There have been earthquakes, a tsunami and nuclear meltdowns in Japan, earthquakes in Colombia, flooding, both man-made and natural, along the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and tornadoes in the Midwest, South and New England. Let’s not forget to mention those people affected by natural and man-made disasters which do not make headline news. Although all of the above mentioned are very serious and life changing events, the tornadoes in New England have hit closest to home for me. An apartment complex my husband and I lived in just a couple of years ago in Southbridge, Mass., suffered so much damage last week during the tornadoes that every building has been condemned. In Springfield, Mass., and surrounding towns there has been so much devastation that my CHW colleagues there are going even further than the “usual extra mile” to assist their community. If disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the other recent devastations have not highlighted the important role of CHWs in emergency preparedness, I would like to take a moment to do so.

Many understand the vital role CHWs have in reducing health disparities and improving health in our communities. Please remember CHWs also have a role in emergency preparedness.   While this role is often underutilized by authorities, it is an important role CHWs take to heart. We may not have an official role in many regional, state and local emergency plans, but the past experience of our CHW colleagues in New Orleans shed light on the value CHWs bring. CHWs bring added expertise to emergency planning, assisting during the actual event, identifying and meeting the community needs afterwards in both the short and long term. 

CHWs have unique, trusting relationships with the communities we serve. We are often seen as community leaders, the “go to” people for a variety of issues. Should emergency preparedness be any different? Absolutely not! Being prepared before an emergency is always the best strategy. CHWs can assist communities to be prepared before an emergency strikes. We can educate and assist community members to develop a plan for themselves and their families. Community members may not heed the reverse 911 calls (even if they have a phone), the alerts brought by the media (the recent tornado alert in my home town was only broadcast in English) or the call to evacuate, due to a lack of trust, in many cases of certain authorities. The same community members will often follow the suggestions and instructions given by CHWs. The CHW workforce does not have the challenge of developing trust preparing for or during an emergency.  We are already respectfully engaged with individuals, families and communities and have earned their trust.

CHWs are important partners in times of natural or man-made disasters, and we should also be included in pandemic planning.  Most understand that childhood immunizations are an important first step to prevent outbreaks of certain diseases. CHWs have already assisted many children in this country to receive childhood immunizations. We are on the ground and can provide culturally appropriate educational information to communities. CHWs can assist to ensure all have the needed information to prevent increased cases of illness once an outbreak is imminent. 

I’ve stressed the role CHWs can have in emergency preparedness, and I’d also like to stress the need for additional funding for CHW programs to be partners in this effort. As many know our programs are often funded by health specific cyclical grants; unfortunately, these grants don’t often include emergency preparedness.  Funding for CHWs and CHW programs should be included in emergency preparedness funding coming to regional, state and local entities. CHWs think of health holistically; I urge all to think of emergency preparedness holistically as well. We should ensure all partners who can assist in times of emergency are included in planning and funding. No one group of professionals can be everything to all in need, but together we can work to ensure all members of our communities have the most accurate, up to date information in the event of an emergency. Together, we can assist individuals, families and communities to be as healthy and safe as possible.

CHWs - encourage your programs to be involved in emergency preparedness. State, regional, local health departments and emergency management agencies - consider formally including CHWs in your emergency plans. Finally to everyone, remember to think inclusively about emergency preparedness. Take a good look at who is working to keep your community healthy and safe, and work to ensure they are included in all emergency preparedness plans.

Sincerely,

Lisa Renee Holderby-Fox