Outreach and Promotions: Project Highlights
The following examples illustrate the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education's (ORISE) efforts to reach out to special populations on specific topics for our clients.
Minority Perceptions of Public Health Issues in Indiana
Client: Indiana State Department of Health (IDH)
The Indiana State Department of Health (IDH) commissioned a study of health communication issues among minority residents of the state. The objectives of the study were to determine:
- The level of concern about bioterrorism and other public health threats
- How minority residents of Indiana receive information
- How they prefer to receive their information
- The level of trust in IDH as a reliable and credible source of information
ORISE conducted telephone surveys with African-American, Asian-American, and Latino-American residents of Indiana. Males and females, people above and below median income, and occupants of six different area codes were surveyed.
National Immunization Program (NIP) Racial and Ethnic Adult Disparities in Immunization (READII)
Client: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Program (CDC NIP)
One of the public health issues of current interest in the United States is that of health disparities among various racial/ethnic groups. Research by the CDC examined the reasons why people, including various racial/ethnic groups, chose not to be immunized against influenza and pneumonia.
In response to this information, CDC/NIP developed informational materials for these populations. ORISE assisted NIP in evaluating the newly-developed materials with these selected consumers.
ORISE also conducted a needs assessment to determine other types of assistance that health agencies need in order to promote vaccination.
Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Among Immigrants
Client: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Asthma and Respiratory Health Branch (CDC)
An ice storm struck Charlotte, N.C., in 2002, resulting in an extended power outage. A total of 124 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning occurred. Many of these occurred in the Hispanic community, where a number of people, particularly newer immigrants, used charcoal or propane devices inside their homes for heat and cooking.
ORISE conducted focus groups to test Public Service Announcements on the dangers of carbon monoxide. The study collected related information on the participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs regarding the subject. All participants were Spanish-speaking, recent immigrants to the United States with less than 12 years of formal education.
