AN EVALUATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS IN THE FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY ATLANTA, GEORGIA Open Access

Abstract

Abstract AN EVALUATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS IN THE FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY ATLANTA, GEORGIA BY Albert Calvin Wright Jr. Traditionally faith communities have served important roles in helping survivors cope in the aftermath of disasters. The memory of Hurricane Katrina and other recent natural and manmade disasters is ever present. Faith-based Organizations (FBOs) in the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) may have appropriate staffing to address emergency planning but the question is how many constructive drills and/or simulations have been conducted with follow up after-action reviews and corrective action plans executed? This study utilized a survey developed to assess a sampling of FBOs level of readiness in planning and preparing for disasters. The survey was disseminated to the membership of the Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta, Inc. (CBC) during weekly meetings. The study consisted of surveying individuals (clergy) about the practices and culture of their organizations. Participants answered objective survey questions via an internet-generated survey tool (Survey Monkey) regarding their organizations planning and preparedness for emergencies. Respondent FBO's information remained anonymous throughout the survey process. The results of the survey provided data for six task areas cited in the survey questionnaire (Planning/Mission, Communication, Planning for Impact, Policies, Allocation of Resources, Coordination). It is hoped this project can serve as a national model for FBOs to gauge, assess, and enhance community emergency preparedness.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION 1
INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE 1
PROBLEM STATEMENT 7
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK 8
PURPOSE STATEMENT 9
STUDY QUESTIONS 10
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT 10
DEFINITION OF TERMS 11
CHAPTER II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 12
INTRODUCTION 12
THE ROLE OF AFRICAN AMERICAN FBOS IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE 12
DETERMINE STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES IN EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND METHODS OF IMPROVEMENT 15
SUMMARY AND STUDY RELEVANCE 16
CHAPTER III: METHODOLOGY 19
INTRODUCTION 19
POPULATION AND SAMPLE 19
RESEARCH DESIGN 20
PROCEDURES 21
LIMITATIONS AND DELIMITATIONS 21
CHAPTER IV: RESULTS 23
INTRODUCTION 23
FINDINGS 23
SUMMARY 33
CHAPTER V: DISCUSSION 35
INTRODUCTION 35
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 35
CONCLUSION 38
REFERENCES 40
APPENDICES 42
APPENDIX A: FAITH-BASED COMMUNITY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS QUESTIONNAIRE 42
APPENDIX B: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY RESULTS 50
APPENDIX C: SAMPLE CHURCH BULLETIN 63

List of Figures

FIGURE 1: EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT CYCLE 7
FIGURE 2: ATLANTA METROPOLITAN STATISTICAL AREA (MSA) 20
FIGURE 3: RESPONSES TO SECTION 1 - PREPARE FOR AND RESPOND TO DISASTERS 24
FIGURE 4: RESPONSES TO SECTION 3 - PLAN FOR IMPACT ON STAFF, CONGREGATION, CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY 25
FIGURE 5: RESPONSES TO SECTION 5 - ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES TO PROTECT STAFF/ MEMBERS/COMMUNITY 26
FIGURE 6: RESPONSES TO SECTION 2 - COMMUNICATE/EDUCATE STAFF, CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY 27
FIGURE 7: RESPONSES TO SECTION 3 - ATTITUDE OF FAITH COMMUNITY TOWARDS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 28
FIGURE 8: RESPONSES TO SECTION 6 - INTEGRATION IN LOCAL/STATE/FEDERAL EXERCISES 30
FIGURE 9: RESPONSES TO SECTION 2 - MESSAGE DELIVERY REGARDING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS 31
FIGURE 10: RESPONSES TO SECTION 5 - ROLES IN DISASTER RESPONSE AND RECOVERY 32
FIGURE 11: RESPONSES TO SECTION 6 - COORDINATION WITH EXTERNAL ORGANIZATIONS 33
FIGURE 12: RESPONSES TO SECTION 6 - INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIPS 33

About this Master's Thesis

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School	Rollins School of Public Health
Department	Career Masters of Public Health
Degree	MPH
Submission	Master's Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Health Sciences, Public Health
Keyword	Emergency Preparedness Faith-based
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Alperin, Melissa, Emory University
Committee Members	Smith, Chester Lee,
Partnering Agencies	Does not apply (no collaborating organization)

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