Project Highlight: Public Communication
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Tabletop Exercises
Client: Centers for Disease Control and Preventions: Division of Global Migration and Quarantine (DGMQ) and Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion (DHQP)
This project is the second phase of the “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Preparedness Tabletop Exercise” project completed in FY 2004.
Using experience gained and lessons learned from developing the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) Preparedness Table Exercise, ORISE is developing a Web-based needs assessment to identify additional training needs related to communicable diseases.
ORISE will then use the assessment to develop and conduct tabletop exercises at pre-selected U.S. cities.
The exercises will target airport stakeholders, healthcare stakeholders, and public health and other stakeholders. Individual after-action reports for each city will be developed and distributed to all participants.
Pandemic Influenza Communication Plan
Client: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs (HHS ASPA)
In conjunction with staff from the National Vaccine Program Office (NVPO) and the Office for Public Health Emergency Preparedness (OPHEP), HHS ASPA and ORISE are taking the lead in developing an integrated interagency approach to crisis communication in the event of an influenza pandemic.
ASPA asked ORISE to assist in identifying information, developing a structure, and facilitating the development of an interagency pandemic flu operational crisis communication plan.
ORISE staff assessed the most current HHS’ agency Emergency Plan(s) policies and procedures that impacted the development of the plan and/or could serve as a model. Additionally, ORISE staff:
- Obtained appropriate documentation
- Agreed on milestones and what agencies are responsible for specific communication tasks
- Determined how information would be coordinated among HHS internal agencies/OPDIVs and other federal department public affairs organizations and state and local health departments
An ambitious, initial deadline of January 2006 was moved up to Dec. 1, 2005, due to intense public and political pressure. ORISE met this deadline, essentially producing a draft plan in one month.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness: Message Development and Testing
Client: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Program (CDC NIP)
ORISE assists in developing and testing information addressing pandemic influenza. Assistance to date has included:
- Media content-analysis to identify stakeholder questions and concerns
- Facilitation of workshops where teams are convened to draft messages
- Review and development of materials
- Testing selected messages with health care providers and members of the general public
- Reporting on research results
