Randolph Rowel, PhD, Myrtle Evans-Holland, MSPH, Argin Hutchins, and Nicole Brown, MPH. Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Coldspring Lane, 343 Jenkins Building, Baltimore, MD 21251, 443-885-3138, rrowel@jewel.morgan.edu

A national survey of MCH professionals revealed the major barriers to current employees pursing continuing education are time away from work, inadequate staffing coverage from work, and cost of continuing education (CE) programs. The assessment also showed that cultural competency was the most important topic for professionals seeking continuing education. Morgan State University (MSU) Public Health Program’s (PHP) recent phone survey with MCH professionals and content analysis of family disaster training and resource materials reported similar findings. The survey revealed that if a culturally sensitive, distance-learning course on Family Disaster Planning were made available, the majority of respondents would take the course. Another finding emanating from MSU PHP’s telephone survey was the need for family disaster preparedness training. The majority of Maryland MCH directors (73%) were not aware of any training that prepares MCH professional how to work with low-income culturally diverse families for natural and technological hazards. Respondents also did not feel prepared to handle issues concerning bioterrorism and other technological hazards. In addition, findings from content analysis of emergency preparedness and response training indicated that the majority of training did not meet National Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services in Health Care established by the Department of Health and Human Services. MSU PHP conducted a critical analysis of the Federal Response Plan’s Emergency Support Function #8 to determine which levels required the highest degree of cultural competence. As a result of this effort, researchers identified these areas and developed recommendations for public health administrators, policymakers, and planners.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss cultural competence issues related to family disaster preparedness and response, particulary low-income populations and other underserved populations.
• Discuss findings resulting from content analysis of family disaster preparedness curricula and resource materials.
• Discuss findings from a family disaster survey of county Maternal and Child Health Professionals in MD.
• Identify cultural competence issues for the role of Public Health professionals ( Emergency Support Function #8)as defined bt the Federal Response Plan.
• Identify strategies to avoid health disparities for family disaster preparedness and response.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Disasters

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.