Getting Prepared in Region 5

Barbara Grice, MS, CHES

Marge Heim, APRN, BC

DHEC Public Health Region 5

South Carolina

Public Health Region 5

Our region serves six counties with a population of 303,474 and covers approximately 3,908 squares miles.

Community History

Conducted a comprehensive MAPP (Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships) Assessment to understand community issues and public health priorities.

Primarily rural communities with 5 counties that have a minority population higher than the state at 31 percent.

Strong partnerships for integrating all hazards preparedness into public health activities.

Large clinic sites in Aiken and Orangeburg.

Pilot Counties

Aiken County Population 143,201 Minority Population

28% Poverty Rate 13.8%

SC 14.0% 41.9% of children

in single families live in poverty

Orangeburg County Population 91,337 Minority Population

63 % Poverty Rate 21.4%

SC 14.0 % 40.0 % of children

in single families live in poverty

Partnerships

Work collaboratively with Edisto Health Coalition to educate the public regarding all hazards preparedness.

Work through the WIC program to inform and educate clients.

Work with the Public Health Preparedness Director to link all appropriate activities together.

Goal: To improve the public health system and create a network to sustain public health preparedness education in the community.

Using MAPP to Support What We Do.

Use MAPP priorities from the assessment areas to address the needs of our underserved clients and community members.

Use Public Health Preparedness GIS data to target areas in the community.

Utilize our Spanish speaking Health Educator to provide linguistically appropriate services.

Project Description

This project will build on existing partnerships to establish an All Hazards awareness programs in local churches, schools and community groups.

“Families Getting Ready” Linkage to our WIC program will allow us to

educate clients and have them complete a family plan.

Project Description (continued)

Target population identified through MAPP and internal program audits.

Population served by our health department clinics and community educate efforts.

Partnerships established and receptive to implement activities.

Relationship with target audience established and health education and WIC outreach conducted regularly.

Objectives

Discuss objectives with local partners, train partners and implement the “Families Getting Ready” program.

Conduct WIC education classes and have participants complete their family plan.

Use pre/post test to capture level of knowledge. Reinforce with PSA’s and community awareness

announcements to partners and citizens. Track number of participants developing plans and

gathering supplies.

Local Activities Supporting Preparedness

Health Events Train-the-trainer sessions. Professional Forums. Community and WIC Client Education.

Supporting Activities

Link with other Public Health Preparedness activities to provide resources to community partners.

Train church members to conduct information sessions and complete family plans with groups.

Quarterly and final reports to partners, health department staff and our performance management team.

Opportunities to Improve Public Health Preparedness:

Community All Hazards education efforts. Enhanced communication and collaboration

between agencies and health care providers to address preparedness issues impacting health.

Collaboration between colleges / universities and community organizations to incorporate preparedness education into existing activities.

Partnering to support community health activities. Opportunity to decrease duplication of services

and educational efforts.

Conclusion

Multi-disciplinary team approach for planning, development and implementation of all activities.

Multiple channels for information distribution. Messages targeted for specific populations and

geographic areas. Benefits health efforts in the community and

heightens health department credibility. Efforts can be replicated in other regions in South

Carolina.