Capella 4060 Assessment 3 Disaster Recovery Plan

Name

Capella university

NURS-FPX 4060 Practicing in the Community to Improve Population Health

Prof. Name

Date

 Disaster Recovery Plan

Hello everyone, I hope you are doing well. I’m [Your Name], a registered nurse and currently the senior nurse at Valley City Regional Hospital. Today, I’m here to present a comprehensive disaster management and recovery plan to address the anticipated threat of severe tornadoes in our community. Our hospital administrator, Jennifer Paulson, recently informed us that the National Weather Service has issued a warning about an elevated risk of severe tornadoes this season. This urgent situation highlights the need for us to prepare thoroughly to minimize potential mass casualties and ensure that our hospital remains fully operational during and after any such disaster.

This plan outlines a structured and effective response to potential tornado-related emergencies. Drawing from lessons learned from past events, such as the catastrophic train derailment and explosion two years ago, it is evident that we need a well-coordinated and detailed plan to prevent the chaos and inefficiencies experienced during that incident (Capella University, n.d.). Our goal with this plan is to mobilize our resources, assess our needs and strengths, and implement concrete action steps to protect our community and enhance our recovery efforts. Let’s now delve into the specifics of our disaster management and recovery plan.

Determinants of Health and Related Barriers Impacting Disaster Recovery Efforts

Health is shaped by a variety of interconnected factors, including cultural, social, and economic elements. These encompass the conditions in which we live, our environmental surroundings, our religious and customary beliefs, genetics, education levels, and our relationships with peers and families. Collectively, these factors are known as the determinants of health. When developing a disaster recovery plan, it’s essential to consider these determinants and any potential barriers to ensure the plan’s effectiveness in disaster preparedness and recovery (Rahmani et al., 2022). Now, let’s explore some challenges that can impact our disaster recovery efforts.

Cultural Barriers

Cultural barriers can significantly impact disaster recovery efforts. They can also influence how individuals perceive and respond to disaster warnings and recovery efforts. For example, certain cultural groups may prioritize collective decision-making, which can delay immediate action during emergencies, leading to slower response times and increased vulnerability (Rahmani et al., 2022). Valley City has a predominantly white population (93%), with small percentages of Latino (3%), African-American (2%), Native American (1%), and other races (1%). Additionally, the number of unauthorized migrant laborers with limited English proficiency is unknown. This diversity implies that some community members may encounter communication difficulties during emergencies, resulting in misunderstandings and delayed responses (Capella University, n.d.).

Social Barriers

Social factors, such as community networks and social cohesion, are crucial in disaster recovery. In Valley City, 17.1% of the population is under 18, 22% are 65 or older, and many have special needs, including 204 elderly residents with complex health conditions and 147 physically disabled individuals who depend on lip-reading or American Sign Language for communication (Capella University, n.d.). The city’s homeless population cannot be accommodated at the shelter due to its limited capacity, highlighting a vulnerable segment that may struggle to receive timely information and assistance during a disaster. Additionally, the city’s financial crisis has strained the social structure, resulting in layoffs at the police and fire departments and weakening emergency response capabilities (Finucane et al., 2020).

Economic Barriers

Economic factors are vital to disaster recovery efforts. Valley City is currently facing a financial crisis, with the threat of insolvency and layoffs in essential services like fire and police departments. This economic instability means that many residents and the city need more resources to adequately prepare for or recover from a disaster. For example, the Valley City Regional Hospital, a 105-bed facility currently housing 97 patients, requires significant infrastructure and equipment upgrades, including the replacement of aging ambulances (Capella University, n.d.).

Ongoing deficits have prevented these necessary upgrades, and the hospital may even need to downsize its nursing staff. This economic hardship exacerbates social and cultural barriers, as those with fewer resources may have limited access to information, support networks, and essential services, further hindering recovery efforts (Finucane et al., 2020).

These interconnected factors significantly impact safety, health, and disaster recovery efforts. Cultural factors, including unique customs and social dynamics, also play a synergistic role in these efforts. Addressing cultural factors with cultural sensitivity principles, alongside tackling social issues related to living conditions, environmental factors, and individual characteristics such as age and genetics, can enhance disaster recovery efforts. Additionally, economic support can help mitigate social and cultural barriers, improving overall disaster recovery outcomes (Rouhanizadeh et al., 2020).

Proposed Disaster Recovery Plan

The disaster recovery plan for preparing and managing the upcoming tornadoes follows the MAP-IT approach, which includes the steps of Mobilizing, Assessing, Planning, Implementing, and Tracking.

Mobilize

Effectively managing disaster recovery in Valley City requires mobilizing a diverse group of collaborative partners. This involves Valley City Regional Hospital staff, local government entities such as the City Council and Emergency Management, and various community organizations, including the Valley City Homeless Shelter and local religious groups. Additionally, volunteer groups, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and local businesses play crucial roles. By bringing these stakeholders together, we can combine resources, share expertise, and ensure a comprehensive and coordinated disaster response (American College Health Association, 2023).

Assess

Assessing the community needs in Valley City involves a detailed analysis of demographic data and specifics related to potential disasters like severe tornadoes. Physical needs include medical services for the injured, safe shelters for displaced residents, and essential supplies such as food, water, and medication. Emotional needs are also critical, requiring psychological support and counseling services for trauma-affected individuals. Addressing cultural needs involves providing translation services for non-native English speakers and implementing culturally sensitive communication strategies.

Financial needs include assistance for those economically impacted by the disaster and support for the unemployed. Specific data highlights the diverse age distribution and the presence of special needs populations, including 147 individuals with physical disabilities and 204 senior citizens with complicated medical issues, which are crucial for tailored disaster recovery efforts (American College Health Association, 2023).

Plan

Developing a recovery plan for Valley City involves ensuring the equitable allocation of services across the community. This includes prioritizing aid for the most vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, disabled, non-English speakers, and the economically disadvantaged. Multiple shelters will be established, including those tailored for special health needs. Triage classification will be used to categorize injuries: Immediate (Red) for life-threatening injuries requiring urgent care, Delayed (Yellow) for severe but not life-threatening injuries, Minor (Green) for minor injuries, and Expectant (Black) for those beyond the scope of medical help.

The plan aims to reduce health disparities by ensuring all community members have access to information and resources, providing transportation to shelters and medical facilities, and promoting community health and preparedness to meet Healthy People 2020 and 2030 goals.

Implement

Executing the disaster recovery plan involves a systematic approach to achieving the set goals. Key actions include establishing and managing shelters, coordinating medical services, and distributing essential supplies. Psychological support services will be put in place to address emotional needs, while translation services and culturally sensitive communication strategies will be deployed to cater to the diverse population. Financial aid programs will be initiated to support those economically affected. The plan also emphasizes reducing health disparities by ensuring equitable access to healthcare and other essential services, particularly for vulnerable groups. Outreach and education programs will be conducted to enhance community preparedness and resilience (American College Health Association, 2023).

Track

Monitoring the progress of the disaster recovery efforts involves continuous data collection and analysis. This includes regularly updating community health data and monitoring service usage to identify gaps. Feedback from community members and partners will be collected to allow for necessary adjustments to the plan. A robust contact tracing process will be implemented to maintain updated contact information for vulnerable populations, coordinating with local agencies and community groups to ensure accurate tracking. Technology and volunteer efforts will be utilized to trace and communicate with affected individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary aid and services. Progress towards achieving Healthy People 2020 and 2030 goals will be regularly reviewed, with efforts to continuously improve access to healthcare and reduce health disparities in the community (American College Health Association, 2023).

Proposed Disaster Recovery Plan, Health Disparities & Access to Community Services

The proposed disaster plan aims to enhance access to community resources and reduce health disparities by incorporating social justice and health equity principles. This involves ensuring that all individuals affected by the disaster receive equitable treatment, regardless of race, gender, or ethnicity. This will be achieved through comprehensive training and enforcement of policies promoting health equity and social justice. Any violations of these policies will result in the immediate removal of the violator from disaster recovery activities, thereby upholding the principles of health equity and social justice.

Ensuring health equity throughout the community requires a solid commitment to social justice and cultural sensitivity. Social justice is fundamental to fostering fairness in all aspects of society, including disaster recovery efforts, to promote a healthier society by reducing health disparities and providing equitable health and safety services to vulnerable populations (Habibzadeh et al., 2021). Recognizing the cultural diversity within communities, it is essential to maintain a workforce that respects and values cultural beliefs through cross-cultural training and recruitment of culturally diverse staff. Additionally, providing interpreters for individuals with limited proficiency in the predominant language further enhances disaster preparedness and recovery management by facilitating effective communication and understanding across cultural barriers.

Health and Governmental Policies Impacting Disaster Recovery Efforts

Numerous health and governmental policies have been implemented to strengthen disaster preparedness and recovery management. One such policy is the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000, which mandates that local, state, and tribal governments must engage in mitigation planning to qualify for FEMA grants aimed at post-disaster mitigation (FEMA, 2023). This legislation supports disaster recovery by specifying requirements for local mitigation plans and allowing for the allocation of up to 7% of funds from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Compliance with this act enables communities to promptly undertake mitigation activities to reduce the impact of disasters.

Similarly, the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006 addresses deficiencies identified in preparing for and responding to Hurricane Katrina by defining agency roles in emergency management. It establishes the National Preparedness Goal and National Preparedness Systems to enhance disaster management and mitigation efforts (FEMA, 2023). By implementing the provisions outlined in this act, disaster recovery efforts can be more effectively organized, guiding the development of the National Disaster Recovery Strategy and National Disaster Housing Strategy. These strategies aim to expedite recovery efforts and address immediate housing needs, supporting affected individuals in rebuilding their lives. Ultimately, these policies offer the potential for communities to achieve accelerated disaster recovery and improve their quality of life in the aftermath of disasters.

Communication Strategies to Enhance Interprofessional Collaboration

Effective disaster recovery efforts rely on collaboration among professionals from diverse disciplines. Communication plays a pivotal role in coordinating interprofessional teams during disasters, and several strategies can mitigate communication barriers. Educating interprofessional personnel about their roles promotes a shared understanding of objectives and mission (Klenke-Borgmann et al., 2022). Non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions and body language, enhances clarity and openness in exchanges (Burgoon et al., 2021).

For instance, maintaining an open posture and appropriate eye contact fosters a conducive communication environment. Implementing two-way communication, involving both giving and receiving feedback, further strengthens collaboration (Raja et al., 2022). These evidence-based approaches are critical for enhancing interprofessional collaboration in disaster recovery, addressing communication challenges, and facilitating efficient information processing. Non-verbal cues aid in rapid information transmission during emergencies, while feedback mechanisms ensure alignment and accuracy in information exchange. Ultimately, these communication strategies contribute to expediting disaster recovery, improving safety and health outcomes, and reducing fatalities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Valley City’s disaster management and recovery plan for severe tornadoes follows the MAP-IT approach—Mobilize, Assess, Plan, Implement, and Track—to mobilize partners, assess needs, develop an equitable plan, implement actions, and monitor progress. It integrates cultural, social, and economic factors’ influence on health and recovery, bolstered by legislative support like the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 and the Post-Katrina Emergency Reform Act of 2006. Effective communication strategies are crucial for interprofessional collaboration during emergencies. Emphasizing health equity, social justice, and cultural sensitivity aims to reduce disparities, improve access to services, and build community resilience. Through unified efforts, Valley City strives to prepare, recover, and thrive amidst natural disasters.

References

American College Health Association. (2023). Map-It framework. Www.acha.org. https://www.acha.org/HealthyCampus/Map-It_Framework.aspx

Burgoon, J. K., Manusov, V., & Guerrero, L. K. (2021). Nonverbal communication. Nonverbal Communication. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003095552

Capella University. (n.d.). Assessment 03 – Disaster recovery plan. Capella.edu. https://signon.capella.edu/idp/SSO.

FEMA. (2023, April 25).Regulations and guidance.https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/hazard-mitigation-planning/regulations-guidance#:~:text=The%20Disaster%20Mitigation%20Act%20of 

FEMA. (2023, March 23). National level exercise background.  https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/planning-exercises/nle/background 

Capella 4060 Assessment 3 Disaster Recovery Plan

Finucane, M. L., Acosta, J., Wicker, A., & Whipkey, K. (2020). Short-term solutions to a long-term challenge: Rethinking disaster recovery planning to reduce vulnerabilities and inequities. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(2), 482. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17020482 

Habibzadeh, H., Jasemi, M., & Hosseinzadegan, F. (2021). Social justice in health system; a neglected component of academic nursing education: A qualitative study. BMC Nursing, 20(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-021-00534-1 

Klenke-Borgmann, L., DiGregorio, H., & Cantrell, M. A. (2022). Role clarity and interprofessional colleagues in psychological safety. Simulation in Healthcare: The Journal of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.1097/sih.0000000000000662

Rahmani, M., Muzwagi, A., & Pumariega, A. J. (2022). Cultural factors in disaster response among diverse children and youth around the world. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01356-x 

Raja, S., Logeshwaran, J., Venkatasubramanian, S., Jayalakshmi, M., Rajeswari, N., Olaiya, N. G., & Mammo, W. D. (2022). OCHSA: Designing energy-efficient lifetime-aware leisure degree adaptive routing protocol with optimal cluster head selection for 5G communication network disaster management. Scientific Programming, 2022, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5424356

Capella 4060 Assessment 3 Disaster Recovery Plan

Rouhanizadeh, B., Kermanshachi, S., & Nipa, T. J. (2020). Exploratory analysis of barriers to effective post-disaster recovery. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 50(1), 101735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101735