Are you prepared to respond to the needs of your community in the event of a public health emergency?

Recently, public health emergencies such as natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and the fear of bioterrorism have threatened the health and safety of our nation and local communities. In particular, we have seen the devastating effects of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina, and the California wildfires. We've also seen the effects of Anthrax, and tracking the spread of Avian Flu, while bracing for the next influenza pandemic.

Successful communication is an essential part of an effective response to any public health emergency. Therefore, it is critical that health educators and other health promotion professionals recognize and practice their role in planning for and responding to a variety of potential emergency events, including:

Bioterrorism Emergencies
Mass Casualty Events
Chemical Emergencies
Natural Disasters & Severe Weather Events
Radiation Emergencies
Infectious Disease Outbreaks and Incidents

Health educators are an integral part of our local communities, working in clinics, schools, businesses, and the government, with specialized training and experience in behavioral, organizational, and communication strategies to protect and promote public health. In addition, health educators are qualified health professionals, able to provide information to assist people in being prepared to protect themselves during and after a public health emergency. They have immediate access to local dissemination channels within the community.

In the wake of recent events, we have recognized many challenges to planning for and responding to public health emergencies. Rapid response is critical, and as health educators, we can use our knowledge, skills, and resources to communicate quickly and efficiently with affected communities, and ultimately protect the public's health. As health educators, it is our responsibility to enhance communication efforts in preparing for and responding to emergency events. With widespread trainings and competencies, health educators have an opportunity to assist in preparing for potential emergencies, and communicating response strategies to the masses when an emergency does occur.