P3.C048: Pediatric Disaster Ambassador Program in the United States

Background: In recent years, both man-made and natural disasters have increasingly impacted children, leading to loss of lives and significant financial burdens. Children constitute a quarter of those affected by disasters in the United States, yet they have often been overlooked in disaster planning efforts. Limited physician education in pediatric disaster preparedness exacerbates this issue, along with discomfort among agencies and organizations in caring for children during disasters. Health care coalitions (HCCs) and state partners such as the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program play crucial roles in disaster preparedness, but often lack pediatric expertise.

Project Description:

Objective: To address these challenges, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), initiated the AAP Disaster Preparedness Ambassador program. This program aims to enhance pediatric disaster preparedness by deploying ambassadors with expertise in pediatrics to engage with HCCs and PHEP programs, ensuring the unique needs of children are addressed.

Design/Methods: We conducted a retrospective survey of AAP chapters participating in the Disaster Ambassador Program, assessing their disaster readiness before and after program initiation. 16 chapters participated in Phase 1 of the program (April 19, 2023 – July 31, 2023). Key metrics included connections with community partners, pediatrician representation in HCCs, engagement with PHEP programs, and the provision of regular pediatric disaster preparedness training.

Discussion:

Results: The survey was distributed to 47 participants with 19 responses (40.4%). All 16 (100%) AAP chapters participated in the survey. Prior to the program, many chapters lacked regular training in pediatric disaster preparedness and had limited connections with community partners and PHEP programs. Following participation in the program, there were significant improvements in these areas, with increased training, strengthened community partnerships, and enhanced connections with PHEP programs reported.

Limitations: The study may be subject to self-selection bias, as chapters more interested in disaster preparedness may have been more likely to participate. Continued evaluation is necessary to gauge the program's lasting effects.

Conclusion:

Conclusion: The Disaster Preparedness Ambassador program has demonstrated early success in improving communication and collaboration in pediatric disaster preparedness. Further evaluation is needed to assess long-term benefits and sustained impact.