Exploring Cultural Factors Influencing Iraqi Immigrants’ Views of Michigan Hazards Utilizing the PEN-3 Model

Presenter: Kerry Chamberlain

Conference: 8th Arab Health Summit

Location and Date: Washington, DC – 2018

Abstract: Communicating information during an emergency is a difficult task. In order to ensure the message is understood, the emergency response personnel need to understand the cultural makeup of their population. Each culture will have a different way they accept and digest information. Michigan has one of the largest populations of Arab immigrants outside the Middle East. Iraqi immigrants are the largest group. This study examines how Iraq immigrants view five of the most common hazards in Michigan and what cultural factors influence these views. A qualitative survey instrument, based on the PEN-3 model, identified the cultural factors that influenced the views of common Michigan hazards. In-person interviews were conducted using this instrument with 84 immigrants from Iraq who lived in the United States 4 years or less. The results showed emergency information is not filtering to the Iraqi immigrant population. They find their emergency information from the Internet and would prefer to learn about emergency preparedness from in-person classes. They viewed snowstorms as the most exotic of the five most common Michigan hazards and language was the biggest barrier to learning about them. More information needs to reach Iraqi immigrants regarding unfamiliar hazards. Communicators should use Iraqi immigrants’ experience with familiar hazards to identify effective ways of responding to this population. The results of this study may promote social change of more effective communication and saving lives in the future should an emergency occur in Michigan that affects Iraqi immigrants.

 

Emergency Preparedness and the New CMS Rules: What you need to know

Presenter: Kerry Chamberlain and Price Pullins

Conference: Community Mental Health Association Annual Fall Conference 2017

Location and Date: Traverse City, Michigan –  2017

Abstract: Community Mental Health Service Providers (CMHSP) agencies are an important part of emergency responses. When an emergency occurs, the citizens affected need mental health services to help them cope. The Flint Water Crisis highlighted the importance of the CMHSP where Genesee Health Services stepped up to protect the mental health of those affected. The Centers for Medicare Services (CMS) is also aware of the importance of prepared CMHSPs by requiring an emergency plan by November 2017. In order to assist Michigan CMHSPs in performing this monumental task, there are many emergency preparedness agencies you can turn to for subject matter expertise. This presentation will outline the importance of emergency preparedness and the role of the CMHSP, information regarding the CMS rule for writing an emergency plan, and where to go for help.

Participants will be able to: 1. Identify organizations that can assist the CMHSP in the emergency plan writing process; 2. Define the elements of an emergency plan for the CMHSP; and 3. Interpret the needs of the CMHSP and develop an emergency plan accordingly.

Emergency Preparedness and Community Resilience: Beyond the Basics

Presenter: Kerry Chamberlain

Conference: Michigan Disability Summit

Location and Date: Okemos, Michigan –  2017

Abstract: Community resilience is an important topic for caregivers and others who assist individuals with disabilities. A resilient community is ready to face any emergency with strength. In order to become a resilient community during an emergency, it must be prepared. It’s now more important than ever to answer the tough questions about whether you and your organization are prepared for emergencies in the future.

Community Resilience and Emergency Preparedness

Presenter: Kerry Chamberlain

Conference: Partnership for Health and Disability Educational Symposium: Health and Disability: A Culture of Wellness for All

Location and Date: East Lansing, MI 2017

Abstract: This presentation addresses data on emergency preparedness in persons with disabilities and some of the ways to become more resilient in the face of disasters.

Marketing MI-TRAIN

Presenter: Kerry Chamberlain

Conference: TRAIN Affiliate Consortium Annual Meeting

Location and Date: Cheyenne, WY 2017

Abstract: Not sure how to market TRAIN? Affiliate administrators and PHF will discuss TRAIN promotion strategies. Templates, branding guide, logos, and taglines for the TRAIN 3.0 platform will be shared.

Establishing and Maintaining Relationships between Responders and the Arab American Communities in Michigan

Presenters:  Kerry Chamberlain

Conference: Great Lakes Homeland Security Conference

Location and Date: Grand Rapids, 2017

Abstract: Arab Americans have been a part of Michigan for over 100 years. Being one of the largest immigrant groups in Michigan, it is important to have an established relationship before an emergency strikes. This session will identify means for establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships between first responders and the Arab American communities they serve to enhance the health and safety of local communities and to mitigate problems in an emergency.

Iraqi Immigrant Perception of Top Hazards in Michigan: Study Results and Partnering with ACCESS

Presenters:  Kerry Chamberlain and Madiha Tariq

Conference: Great Lakes Homeland Security Conference

Location and Date: Grand Rapids, 2016

Abstract: One of the goals of emergency management and preparedness personnel is to ensure emergency messaging reaches everyone.  However, reaching diverse populations is an ongoing challenge.  Each group views hazards differently and understanding these views and the cultural factors that influence them is important.  A concurrent mixed method study was conducted with Iraqi immigrants in the Dearborn and Sterling Heights areas in 2015 to gauge their perceptions of top hazards in Michigan and to learn the cultural factors that influence them.  One important link to Iraqi immigrants and others in the Arab American community in Michigan is the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS). ACCESS is the largest Arab American human services nonprofit in the United States.  This presentation will introduce ACCESS and how your agency can partner in emergency response. e.

From Planning to Recovery: Awareness of Disaster Epidemiology Methods in Michigan – Poster

Presenters:  Jennifer Beggs, Kerry Chamberlain, Jennie Finks, and Martha Stanbury

Conference: Preparedness Summit

Location and Date: Dallas, Texas 2016

Abstract: Disaster epidemiology is a relatively new and evolving concept which can provide critical information to response entities during all phases of a disaster. An electronic survey was administered to Michigan’s 45 local health departments to determine their level of disaster epidemiology awareness and knowledge.

The Michigan Prepares Emergency Plan Mobile App – Poster

Presenters: Kerry Chamberlain and Matthew Cook

Conference: Preparedness Summit

Location and Date: Dallas, Texas 2016

Abstract: The MI Prepares Emergency Plan Mobile App is a free tool which helps the public create a basic emergency plan in a few quick steps. The app allows users to import contacts from their phone directly into a plan, select family meeting places, and review basic supply checklists.

Smart Phones as a Mobile Toolbox for Emergency Preparedness & Response

Presenters: Kerry Chamberlain and Kathy Wahl.

Conference: Great Lakes Homeland Security Conference & Expo 2013

Location and Date: Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2013.