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7 Developing Effective Surveillance and Monitoring Systems: Future Directions and Resource Needs
Pages 123-136

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From page 123...
... Savitz, Mount Sinai School of Medicine One of the main objectives of the workshop was to examine options for building a framework for short- and long-term surveillance systems that monitor the Gulf oil spill's effects on human health. In the final session of the workshop, the panelists considered the broad range of scientific evidence presented throughout the workshop, discussed individual participant's suggestions, and explored options for, and components of, a public health surveillance system.
From page 124...
... Adler noted that a number of population surveys easily could be modi fied to target information relevant to the Gulf oil spill. Addition
From page 125...
... As briefly noted in Chapter 2, Maureen Lichtveld also proposed six components of a multi-pronged action plan (see Box 7-1) to assess exposures, identify the risk of these exposures, and communicate the results and findings to affected populations throughout the Gulf Region.
From page 126...
... surveillance systems and related research may have the potential to generate knowledge that could influence general public health responses and the overall delivery of health care services. Complexity and Uncertainty Assessing the effects of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill on human health is complex, and many questions remain about the hazards and risks posed to different populations.
From page 127...
... Linda Rosenstock opined that mental health status was of "grave concern," even among those far removed from direct exposure to toxins. Widespread socioeconomic disruption resulting from the Gulf oil spill poses a significant risk of adverse psychological health outcomes, stated Savitz.
From page 128...
... . Although the vast majority of surveillance data that had been collected to date by the state health offices was for acute physical illnesses at the time of the workshop, all five state public health officers who attended identified the need for increased and better targeted mental health surveillance as an immediate challenge.
From page 129...
... At the time of the workshop, several types of data were already being collected. As Howard stated, the CDC and NIOSH were compiling worker rosters; conducting surveillance, including worker illness and injury surveillance; and collaborating with states, OSHA, and BP to identify acute trends and potential chronic health effects (see Chapter 5)
From page 130...
... The CDC and the NIH could use similar mechanisms, suggested Goldman, encouraging the agencies to collect public input on how funding is directed. Immediate Action Immediate actions based on current knowledge can also reduce occupational health hazards and increase worker health protections, noted a number of speakers, including Paul Lioy and Scott Barnhart (see Chapter 2)
From page 131...
... Noting that the federal government did indeed have the requisite expertise and leadership, Bailar also expressed doubt that the federal government could effectively engage the public. Savitz suggested that state health officials may be in a better posi
From page 132...
... Panelists also discussed possible nongovernmental messengers. Rosenstock expressed the need for an "independent, respected scientific voice that has experience working across sectors." Lichtveld opined that centralizing communication efforts could be advantageous but that it was important to involve community leaders who can communicate in a way that will make sense to the people in affected communities.
From page 133...
... Rosenstock observed that the federal government has emerged as a single voice in charge, more or less, in terms of dealing with the environmental response. She opined that someone at the federal level needs to identify all the routine data being collected and determine how to put those data together to gain a more comprehensive and definitive understanding of the Gulf oil spill's impacts on human health.
From page 134...
... Several panelists agreed that state-level public health agencies will require a sustained commitment and continuous funding from the federal government to build the surveillance capacity needed to respond to future, unforeseen disasters. Investments in public health infrastructure will be a key determinant in whether surveillance activities can be sustained, said Rosenstock, echoing comments from other participants.
From page 135...
... For example, Osofsky explained how post-Katrina mental health surveillance has tracked symptoms and guided interventions, services, and resource availability (see Chapters 2 and 5)
From page 136...
... Bailar encouraged state health officers to work with their respective state attorneys general and federal government representatives to better protect research participants and their data. Future Directions Understanding and addressing the potential health consequences of the Gulf disaster will be an ongoing, long-term effort.


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