The Hawaiʻi Department of Health's Kaua‘i District Health Office is taking actionable steps to gauge how ready its residents are to face emergencies. Starting June 23, survey teams will begin a door-to-door assessment as part of a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response. The teams will be hitting the ground in 30 randomly chosen census blocks, aiming to interview households and compile data that will inform the local government's disaster preparedness programs, as reported by the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
" CASPER surveys enable the Kauaʻi District Health Office and the county to better meet our community’s needs before, during and after a disaster," Lauren Guest, Kauaʻi Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Program deputy district health officer, explained in a statement obtained by The Hawaiʻi Department of Health's announcement. Interestingly, the survey, which entails fewer than 10 minutes of questions, will also touch upon concerns like climate change, infectious diseases, and life on Kauaʻi in general.
To ensure public trust and smooth operations, health department staff, accompanied by members of the Kauaʻi Medical Reserve Corps and the Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency, will wear distinctive vests and carry identification cards. For those selected for the survey, there's also the option to respond over the phone, ensuring accessibility and convenience.
The goal is to confidentially collect valuable insights from at least 210 households, with all participants assured that names and addresses will not be collected. This exercise is not just about collecting data—it's also a drill for the Hawaiʻi Department of Health staff, to hone their ability to conduct swift assessments in the face of a disaster. "Mahalo to our residents for their support and participation," said Guest, acknowledging the critical role of community cooperation in this endeavor.
The Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response initiative is grounded in a method developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to quickly determine community needs post-disaster. Kauaʻi residents interested in previous survey outcomes can access reports on the Hawaii Department of Health's website and see how their contributions shape the island's resilience strategies moving forward.
