NEHA September 2023 Journal of Environmental Health

ADVANCEMENT OF THE PRACTICE

 DIRECT FROM THE NEHA PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM COMMITTEE

Coordinating Environmental Health Preparedness Across Sectors

Kai Elgethun, MPH, PhD, REHS, DAAS Liz Walker, PhD Sauda Yerabati, MPH Tania Busch Isaksen, MPH, PhD Jesse C. Bliss, MPH, PhD Amy Chang

Charissa Cooper, REHS Shelby Haddeland, REHS David T. Dyjack, DrPH, CIH

In 2022, committee chairs convened a panel at the 2022 NEHA Annual Educa- tional Conference (AEC) & Exhibition held in Spokane, Washington, on June 28–July 1. The panel engaged the audience in a brain- storming session on the topic, “Coordinating Environmental Health Preparedness Across Sectors.” The audience, panel, and facilitators represented sectors that are active in EPH pre- paredness and response, including nonprofit organizations, nongovernmental organiza- tions (NGOs), and voluntary organizations active in disaster (VOADs). These contribu- tors detailed the challenges to coordination and provided recommendations regarding the need to improve this coordination across local, state, tribal, territorial, federal, NGO/ VOAD, and other sectors. Challenges The following challenges were identified by the panel as barriers that impede EPH pre- paredness coordination across sectors. • Stang shortages and turnover were noted as recalcitrant issues. COVID-19 burnout among EPH professionals and a booming job market in more lucrative fields have made the problem even more pronounced in the past few years. » Funding is needed to specifically sup- port EPH preparedness staffing. This funding is especially critical to support the EPH workforce at the local level where EPH professionals are needed on the front lines. » Dedicated EPH preparedness coordina- tors are needed. For example, there are only three EPH emergency preparedness coordinators in California funded by the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement at the state level, which is inadequate for such

Editor’s Note: The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) strives to provide up-to-date and relevant information on environmental health and to build partnerships in the profession. In pursuit of these goals, we are pleased to feature a column from the NEHA Preparedness Program Committee. Our organization has several committees made up of subject matter experts who are dedicated to environmental health topics including body art, climate change, food safety, preparedness, vector control, and more. These committees provide guidance, input, and expertise to NEHA leadership and sta, the environmental health workforce, and partner organizations. The conclusions of this column are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or views of NEHA or of author affiliations. Dr. Kai Elgethun, Sauda Yerbati, Charissa Cooper, and Shelby Haddeland are members of the NEHA Preparedness Program Committee. Dr. Liz Walker and Dr. Tania Busch Isaksen were facilitators of the panel held at the NEHA 2022 Annual Educational Conference & Exhibition. Dr. Jesse Bliss, Amy Chang, and Dr. David Dyjack are NEHA sta members.

I ntroduction The National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) recognizes the important role of the environmental public health (EPH) workforce in public health preparedness, response, and recovery from emergencies and disaster-related events. NEHA established the Preparedness Pro- gram Committee to convene subject mat- ter experts to showcase the significance of EPH within emergency preparedness and to advance best practices. The committee is made up of professionals from public and private sectors with EPH and emergency management expertise. The mission of the NEHA Preparedness Program Committee is to serve as a resource for the organization and for the EPH pro-

fession in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies and disasters to create more resilient communities and to minimize death, illness, and injury. The com- mittee champions the eorts of EPH profes- sionals who respond to emergencies and disaster-related events. Committee activities include the following: • Provide guidance on NEHA preparedness programs and projects. • Identify training gaps and emerging issues in EPH preparedness. • Promote and disseminate materials and resources developed by NEHA and the committee. • Identify EPH preparedness funding and other opportunities to engage and support the workforce.

Volume 86 • Number 2