|
|
|
|
| |
Providing Services to At-Risk Populations
Tips for Providing Services to At-Risk Populations
-
Try subdividing the issue to make it easier. The ASTHO guide divides clinical services into 3 categories: services to treat chronic physical conditions; services to treat mental illness and/or addiction; and requirements of those who depend on specialized equipment or supplies to maintain their health, mobility, or independence.
- Emergency management and public safety officials need to know what type of facilities exist in their community and what type of customers they serve. Facilitate a meet-and-greet for these groups and distribute facility information sheets for the facilities to complete and give to emergency management (see a customizable example of a facility information sheet here).
- Services need to be accessible to all people. For example, monetary assistance following a disaster should not be dependent on individuals having bank accounts.
- Many counties use the File of Life or Vial of Life programs, which involve an individual completing a mini-medical history and storing it in the refrigerator, with a notification sticker placed near the front door. In the event of an emergency, EMTs or paramedics are alerted to the location of the medical history and can use it to provide better care.
- Consider the impact of school closures on the ability of essential personnel to provide non-clinical and clinical services to at-risk populations. At least one county in North Carolina (Onslow) has developed an extensive plan to set up childcare programs for the children of emergency personnel during a disaster.
- Educate the people in your county about North Carolina's prescription refill bill, which allows people to receive 1 refill on a prescription or 1 replacement prescription during a state of emergency or disaster.
- Educate physicians, pharmacists, and the public about ICERx.org and the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program. ICERx.org allows pharmacists and physicians to access medical records pertaining to medications for individuals affected by a disaster. This information can then be used to refill prescriptions as necessary. The Emergency Prescription Assistance Program helps pharmacies process prescriptions for individuals affected by disasters.
- Evaluate the accessibility of your shelters for at-risk populations. Ensure that information on the location and type of shelters is publicized appropriately.
- Educate the people in your county about the American Red Cross Safe and Well List which allows registrants to quickly notify friends and family about their well-being after a disaster.
- Evaluate your county's ability to quickly evacuate wheelchair-bound individuals. Locate appropriate vehicles and form appropriate relationships so that vehicles can be mobilized immediately.
Recommended Planning Activities from ASTHO
Excerpted from: At-Risk Populations and Pandemic Influenza: Planning Guidance for State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Health Departments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
