A valuable large-scale, public engagement initiative focused on community control measures for pandemic influenza is represented in these reports. The initiative featured a host of collaborating partners, making it a good example of public-private partnerships. Likewise, it also is focused heavily on creating meaningful interactions with citizens and stakeholder representatives to help shape health policy. This project contains two sub-parts, and the reviewers' comments will be separated for each to assist you in determining which components apply to your needs/interests: 1.
Communication
Pandemic Influenza Communication
The Ready in 3 Pandemic Flu Guide is a good example of an all-hazards personal preparedness campaign. The 3-in-1 overall emergency preparedness message is simple (Create a Plan, Prepare a Kit, Listen for Information), making it easier to communicate effectively and breaking a large task into smaller, more manageable tasks. It includes a variety of tools targeting different audiences for personal and family emergency preparedness. A portion of this practice has been separately highlighted for its relevance to providing services during an influenza pandemic.
CodeReady.org is an all-hazards emergency preparedness campaign that was "branded" to enhance retention of personal preparedness information and prompt individual action. The State of Minnesota appropriated funds specifically for a pandemic preparedness campaign; however, the campaign steering committee and advisory group opted to employ a broader emergency preparedness approach. The Minnesota health department is not alone in using pandemic preparedness funds to encourage general preparedness, although it's important to note their direction and rationale.
The HEALTH model outlines the requirements, specifications, and resources needed for developing a public health emergency contact center. The practice takes advantage of existing poison control centers and nurse advice lines to provide one-on-one health communication and minimize surges in demand for health and event information. It should be a cost-effective way to provide advice and automated follow-up by collaborating with partners that possess expertise and involvement in large sectors of the public during emergencies.
This booklet is part of a statewide educational campaign that Massachusetts launched in the fall of 2007. These materials are particularly useful in the context of the novel H1N1 flu pandemic, because they provide the public with the information to care for sick family members at home during an influenza pandemic. The booklet is available in nine languages and in both a basic literacy version and a comprehensive version. Topics covered include flu vaccines and antivirals, symptoms and how to treat them, a supply list, caring for the caregiver, and when to call a doctor.
Flu Facts is an educational campaign that informs the public about the importance of planning for a pandemic with a variety of tools designed to reach different populations. The tools include an educational television program, which outlines the preparedness efforts of local, state, and federal governments and urges residents to begin their own preparation for a pandemic. This model is noteworthy, because it includes a variety of different tools from which agencies can draw ideas for their educational campaigns.
Toolkit helps agencies assess flu vaccine beliefs and behaviors, educate public, and tailor services
Background
Yearly bouts of seasonal influenza and even pandemic influenza strains can be fairly different in how quickly and pervasively they spread, the severity of illness they cause, and the groups of people most at risk of infection. Consequently, the general public may experience confusion about who is at risk for influenza from year to year, making demand for vaccine unpredictable.
Background
During emergencies, jurisdictions operating under the National Incident Management System frequently establish a Joint Information Center (JIC) to develop and coordinate communications between various responders. Members of the JIC staff often also monitor news and information circulating within the community to ascertain if and how their messages are received by the public.
Background
Connecticut experiences a wide array of seasonal hazards, such as severe winter storms, hurricanes, and floods, and it must also prepare for accidents stemming from man-made disasters, infectious disease, or incidents at the two nuclear power plants located within its region. The effect of Tropical Storm Irene on the East Coast in summer 2011 and a rare October Nor’easter two months later highlighted Connecticut’s susceptibility to a variety of natural/seasonal hazards.
One of the most common and useful tools in any crisis or emergency communication management strategy is a dark web site. This practice is fairly common in the private sector and has been used by larger airlines, food/beverage companies, pharmaceutical companies, and others.
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