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4 Communicating with the Public
Pages 75-86

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From page 75...
... These strategies include identifying the most critical needs of affected populations, involving the public in surveillance-system and research development, and communicating to a vast array of stakeholders credible, reliable, and actionable data that account for cultural, language, technological, and geographic barriers, as well as varying levels of health literacy. Focusing on the topics listed above, Abramson delivered a presentation on strategies and considerations to engage the public and protect the health of affected communities.
From page 76...
... From the public's perspective, risk communication activities allow communities and individuals to "pull" information that influences short- and long-term decision making. Abramson explained that town hall meetings provide opportunities for the public to request information that guides specific actions.
From page 77...
... However, Abramson questioned the wisdom of using fear to motivate populations that are ill equipped to adequately respond to the message due to circumstances such as limited economic resources.
From page 78...
... The Ready New York Campaign Different ethnic populations respond focused on evaluating the atten- differently to risk communication tiveness of communities to risk and messages. health communication.
From page 79...
... Because of recent exposures to situations stemming from disasters such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and recent floods, populations may experience increased susceptibility and decreased resiliency in response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Moreover, Abramson explained that Gulf residents were tiring of having the Gulf oil spill compared to Hurricane Katrina because it forced them to relive traumatizing experiences that had been left in the past.
From page 80...
... In closing, Abramson underscored the importance of developing capacity and responsibility among local leaders. Although local representatives may not have the scientific expertise to interpret all the data and information made available to the public, communities in the affected Gulf regions trust their parish presidents, mayors, and local health officials to represent their best interests.
From page 81...
... Adequate worker training also was a concern. Lewis emphasized the need for rigorous 40-hour training for the "individuals that are answering the call to go out and clean up this oil spill." She observed that the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice had received hundreds of calls in the weeks prior to the workshop, from local fishermen and -women and people who requested more in-depth training, as opposed to the 4-hour training that is being offered elsewhere.
From page 82...
... John Hosey On Behalf of the Mississippi Interfaith Disaster Task Force John Hosey stated that the Mississippi Interfaith Disaster Task Force was putting together a summit to begin working on some of the emotional, behavioral, economic, and spiritual issues resulting from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Over the past few months, many of the questions raised during the workshop also were being raised among the faith-based communities.
From page 83...
... OPEN DIALOGUE WITH THE AUDIENCE To continue the dialogue with affected communities and to gain a better understanding of the issues of greatest concern to the Gulf population, audience members were invited to comment on any issues related to the Gulf oil spill. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, including barriers to research, community engagement, short- and long-term health consequences from exposures, advanced information technologies, converting data into action, and accuracy of terms.
From page 84...
... . Unanswered Questions About the Health Consequences of Gulf Oil Disaster-Related Exposures There were several comments about hazards posed to human health and the environment related to the oil spill and its various clean-up activities.
From page 85...
... Citizens can add information to the map through e-mail, Twitter, and other means, reporting on experiences related to the Deepwater Horizon disaster, such as reports of sores or blisters as a result of wading in oil-contaminated water. Something like the Oil Spill Crisis Map could be a valuable tool for tracking long-term health impacts or for identifying "hotspots." One participant remarked that "technology alone is not going to solve the whole issue" and that new technologies need a dedicated workforce behind them.
From page 86...
... There was a comment about the lack of mental health services infrastructure in the region, which had not recovered from Hurricane Katrina. This was echoed by other remarks about the "overwhelming" mental health consequences of this disaster and the lack of sufficient community-based mental health services, particularly substance abuse services and services for children with developmental disabilities.


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