Engaging People of the Mountains and Hollows: A Role for the Community and Public Health Preparedness Workforce

Abstract

Two basic assumptions are made by national disaster planners and policy makers: public health workers are prepared to render public health care and population-based health care services during any natural or man-made disaster, and individuals and their families are aware of and engaged in personal preparedness and response planning (Chertoff, 2008). This study had two principal goals: (1) to analyze the results of a rural health survey that sought to identify perceived vulnerability and preparedness for natural or man-made disasters among local residents in Hawkins County, Tennessee, which lies in the heart of rural southern Appalachia, and (2) to consider the results in the broader context of rural health preparedness and suggest mechanisms for improving public awareness and preparedness for all-hazards disaster situations in rural settings. A major limitation of the study was the study sample, which was a convenience sample of attendees at an all-hazards preparedness health fair. The study responses demonstrated a lack of perceived vulnerability, which may reflect the fact that living memory does not recall major local disasters affecting the community. The authors suggest that local poverty among county residents may also play a role in local preparedness and response. Despite the readiness or availability of public health professionals, rural areas may be especially vulnerable to natural or man-made disasters due to a lack of public awareness and understanding of recommended preparedness plans and responses. The authors suggest that Community Health Educators (CHEs) and Community/Public Health Nurses (CPHNs) in the public health workforce can formally and informally be valuable sources of emergency preparedness and response planning, training, and education in rural communities.