Page 12 - Demo

COUNTY COMMENT %u2022 November 2024 12continuedOver the past few weeks, we%u2019ve witnessed the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene across the southeastern United States. While we offer our support to those affected, many of us may also feel relieved that our central plains location typically protects us from hurricanes. However, this event serves as a reminder that Kansas is still vulnerable to other natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, and winter storms, which periodically impact our state.This reminder should be a call to action for County Commissioners. As Commissioners, you play a vital role in protecting public health during emergencies, and your residents will rely on you to respond effectively. It%u2019s crucial for elected officials to take proactive steps to ensure that all residents, especially the most vulnerable, are prepared and supported.Addressing Community VulnerabilitiesEmergencies often expose pre-existing gaps in healthcare access, housing, and other critical services. Certain populations, such as low-income families, elderly, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and non-English speakers, are more vulnerable due to challenges such as limited healthcare access or overcrowded living conditions. These groups are at a higher risk during crises, whether it%u2019s a hurricane, a wildfire, or a public health emergency.As County Commissioners, you have the ability to identify and address these vulnerabilities by ensuring preparedness plans are inclusive and community centered. Here%u2019s how commissioners can take action:1. Advocate for Targeted FundingCommissioners can use their influence to advocate for targeted state and federal funding aimed at supporting public health emergency preparedness in the most vulnerable areas. This means ensuring that low-income neighborhoods, communities with high minority populations, and rural areas have the resources they need to respond effectively in a crisis. Commissioners should work together with their local health departments to secure grants and funding that prioritize these communities for essential services like healthcare, food, and shelter.2. Develop Inclusive Emergency PlansCommissioners must ensure that emergency plans account for the unique needs of vulnerable communities. This involves making sure that preparedness and response strategies are designed with input from diverse community members and tailored to address specific challenges, such as language barriers, transportation needs, and access to healthcare. Commissioners can facilitate partnerships with community organizations and local leaders to shape these plans.3. Strengthen Local PartnershipsTo build a resilient public health system, county commissioners should foster strong partnerships between local health departments, hospitals, emergency services, social services, businesses, and community organizations. These partnerships will allow for better coordination during a crisis, ensuring that critical resources like medical supplies, food, and shelter are distributed effectively and efficiently to those most in need.4. Invest in Community Preparedness ProgramsPreparedness training is often too general and doesn%u2019t cater to the unique circumstances of atrisk populations. Commissioners can invest in programs that offer specialized training for groups like seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families. These programs should be tailored to teach participants how to prepare for emergencies within their specific circumstances, such as building emergency kits that account for medical needs or identifying shelters that accommodate disabilities.5. Enhance Communication ChannelsIn times of crisis, clear, accessible communication PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONERSBy Randy Bowman, Executive Director, Kansas Association of Local Health Departments