Capella FPX 4055 Assessment 3

Capella FPX 4055 Assessment 3

Name

Capella University

NURS-FPX4055 Optimizing Population Health through Community Practice

Prof. Name

Date

Disaster Recovery Plan

Valley City faces significant challenges in disaster recovery due to its socio-economic inequalities, limited infrastructure, and a growing, aging population. Events like the oil train derailment and heightened tornado threats underscore the urgent need for a structured disaster response strategy. This plan is built using the Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) framework, which helps align local governance with healthcare policy and evidence-based practices to address disparities and enhance collaborative efforts. A tailored recovery plan will ensure that all community members, particularly vulnerable groups, receive equitable access to emergency services.

Determinants of Health and Barriers in Valley City

Valley City, with a population of 8,295 and a median age of 43.6, has a high proportion of elderly residents—22% of whom are over 65. More than 200 of these individuals live with chronic health issues requiring consistent medical attention. Additionally, 147 residents live with sensory disabilities, relying on sign language or lip-reading. These groups face amplified difficulties during disasters, such as inaccessible information during blackouts and limited mobility during evacuations.

Further complicating disaster readiness, the city is undergoing a demographic shift with a 3% increase in its Latino population, including undocumented residents with limited English proficiency. This creates linguistic and legal barriers that hinder access to emergency alerts and healthcare services. Financial instability has also led to cuts in public safety services, reduced staff at Valley City Regional Hospital, and outdated medical equipment. These cumulative factors necessitate inclusive and proactive disaster planning.

Interrelationships Among Determinants and Barriers

The interplay of health disparities, cultural gaps, and fiscal constraints undermines effective disaster response in Valley City. Overlapping vulnerabilities among seniors, disabled individuals, and undocumented immigrants create compounded risks during emergencies. Most shelters are not equipped for individuals with mobility or communication challenges, restricting their access to timely support (Walter et al., 2021).

Communication hurdles for undocumented residents are intensified by language limitations and fear of deportation, deterring them from seeking emergency services (Mucha et al., 2024). Budgetary shortfalls exacerbate these issues, leading to inadequate emergency response due to reduced law enforcement and emergency personnel. Inadequate shelter capacity further impedes recovery efforts, especially among the homeless. Financial hardships coupled with cultural and social isolation significantly affect community resilience.

Promoting Health Equity Through a Culturally Sensitive Disaster Recovery Plan

A culturally competent disaster recovery strategy for Valley City should focus on equitable resource allocation and community-specific needs. Mobile health units, expedited evacuation for medically vulnerable individuals, and partnerships with long-term care facilities will support elderly residents during crises. Based on the CDC’s Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), high-risk groups—including those with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, and living in poverty—require prioritized support (CDC, 2024a).

Tailored communication plans, including multilingual messaging and outreach to undocumented Latino communities, are essential for inclusive emergency preparedness. Engaging culturally competent health workers ensures broader community participation and trust. Implementing these strategies will close access gaps and promote fairness across socio-economic and cultural lines, advancing health equity during recovery.

Role of Health and Governmental Policy: A CERC Framework Approach

Governmental policies are crucial for guiding disaster recovery. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates accessibility in emergency communications and shelter facilities. However, previous failures to provide accessible notifications and triage during disasters reflect a need for improved adherence (Iezzoni et al., 2022). The Stafford Act provides federal assistance during declared disasters, enabling upgrades to outdated hospital systems and improving surge capacity (FEMA, 2021).

The Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) of 2018 shifts the focus toward preventative planning and infrastructure improvements. For Valley City, this includes strengthening emergency power and water systems. Trace-mapping and hazard mitigation funding under the DRRA can help monitor recovery fairness, reduce risk exposure, and build long-term resilience (Borges et al., 2024).

Strategies to Overcome Communication Barriers and Interprofessional Collaboration

To mitigate communication issues in Valley City, especially among multilingual and sensory-impaired populations, emergency alerts must be disseminated via multiple channels—visual, auditory, and text-based systems. Utilizing mobile applications and multilingual public service announcements ensures better outreach. The CERC model recommends empathetic and inclusive messaging to increase compliance and public confidence (CDC, 2024b).

Interprofessional coordination can be enhanced using an incident command system (ICS) that unites hospitals, fire services, and law enforcement. Tools like WebEOC and Microsoft Teams facilitate real-time updates. Simulation-based training improves understanding of individual roles and enhances collective response efficiency (Hanlin & Schulz, 2021; Gundran et al., 2022). These strategies help reach marginalized groups more effectively, thereby ensuring comprehensive disaster response.

Summary Table: Key Issues and Proposed Solutions in Valley City

Conclusion

Valley City’s ability to recover from disasters hinges on addressing its vulnerabilities through culturally sensitive and inclusive strategies. Guided by the CERC framework and supported by federal policies such as the ADA and DRRA, the city can build resilience by promoting health equity, enhancing interagency coordination, and eliminating communication barriers. A well-executed recovery plan ensures that all residents, regardless of age, ability, or background, receive equitable and timely support during crises.

References

ADA. (2021). Introduction to the Americans with Disabilities Act. ADA.gov. https://www.ada.gov/topics/intro-to-ada/

Borges, J., Harari, L., Jung, H., McFeely, M., & Siegrist, N. (2024, June 27). Indigenous worldviews and tribal priorities in hazard mitigation planning. https://digital.lib.washington.edu/researchworks/items/9162b396-de70-4eaf-868d-77374f8d2be9

Capella University. (n.d.). RN to BSN | online bachelor’s degree. https://www.capella.edu/online-nursing-degrees/bachelors-rn-to-bsn-completion/

CDC. (2024a, October 22). Social vulnerability index. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/place-health/php/svi/index.html

CDC. (2024b, November). Crisis & emergency risk communication (CERC). https://www.cdc.gov/cerc/php/about/index.html

Census.gov. (2023). QuickFacts: Valley City. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/valleycity

Capella FPX 4055 Assessment 3

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2021). Disaster Recovery Reform Act. https://www.fema.gov/disaster/disaster-recovery-reform-act-2018

Hanlin, C., & Schulz, M. (2021). Emergency management and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Journal of Emergency Planning, 12(3), 155–168.

Iezzoni, L. I., Rao, S. R., Ressalam, J., Bolcic-Jankovic, D., Agaronnik, N. D., Donelan, K., & Lagu, T. (2022). Emergency preparedness and barriers for people with disabilities. Health Affairs, 41(4), 556–564.

Mucha, L., Torres, J., & Santos, M. (2024). Equity and inclusion in emergency response for migrant communities. Public Health Reports, 139(2), 218–226.

Walter, J. M., Chen, J. T., & Fenton, K. (2021). Disaster preparedness and health equity. American Journal of Public Health, 111(5), 831–839.