Imagine you are a public health official in a city that is prone to natural disasters. Your city has recently experienced a major disaster, and the response has highlighted some gaps in the city’s emergency preparedness plan.
Based on your observations and experiences, provide recommendations on how the city’s emergency preparedness plan could be improved. Consider both immediate changes that could be made, as well as longer-term strategies for improving public health outcomes in the event of future disasters.
Discussion questions:
- What are some key elements that should be included in an effective emergency preparedness plan?
- How can public health officials effectively collaborate with other agencies (such as emergency services, hospitals, and community organizations) during a disaster?
- What role can community members play in emergency preparedness and response?
- How can public health systems ensure that vulnerable populations (such as the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and low-income communities) are adequately supported during a disaster?
- Looking ahead, what are some emerging trends or challenges in public health that could impact emergency preparedness? How can public health systems adapt to these changes?
Parameters
Students must post their original response to the Discussion Forum by Day 4, and you have until Day 7 to respond to your classmates. d two posts must be a brief commentary on the posts of other classmates. Your grade will reflect both the quality of your initial post and the depth and breadth of your responses.
NOTE: You will see your classmate posts only after you posted yours.
Refer to the discussion board rubric Download discussion board rubricon how your instructor will grade the assignment.
Due Date: Initial Response due on Day 4; Response to Classmates due on Day 7.
Module Outcomes
- Describe the concept of emergency preparedness.
- Examine strategies and policies that have been implemented to address challenges in emergency preparedness.
- Provide recommendations on where public health head in the future.
Module 7: Overview
The Future of Public Health
Overview
Welcome to the final module of the course. In this module, learners will explore emergency preparedness and the future of pubic health. Learners will review the role of emergency preparedness plans and the impact of 9/11 and COVID-19 have had on these processes, policies, and procedures. Students will end the module and course by reflecting on the course learning outcomes and the impact on their professional journeys.
| Activity | Due Date (if assignment) | Point Value (if assignment) |
|---|---|---|
| Readings: Chapters 30, 31 & Bonus chapter | End of module | – |
| Module Quiz | Day 10 | 10pts |
| Discussion Board | Initial Post: Day 4Peer Response: Day 7 | 25pts |
| Reflection | Day 14 | 20pts |
| CONTINUE work on Final Project | Day 5, Week 15 | – |
Module Outcomes
- Describe the concept of emergency preparedness.
- Examine strategies and policies that have been implemented to address challenges in emergency preparedness.
- Provide recommendations on where public health head in the future.
- Describe how the course learning outcomes will impact you in your profession.
Learning Outcomes
Course-level objectives covered in this module:
- Identify the various organizations that make up the public health infrastructure across the United States.
- Examine analytical methods of public health through evidence-based research and epidemiology in response to infectious and chronic diseases with strategies to protect the public.
- Determine appropriate communication strategies to disseminate public health messaging to different populations.
- Describe the impact of social, behavioral, and environmental determinants on public health and propose potential solutions.
- Identify U.S. health system, organizational, and professional challenges that prevent health improvements in diverse populations and communities.