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Recent events like Hurricane Katrina and the pandemic
flu preparations underscore the vital importance of improving coordination
between the public and private sectors regarding emergency preparedness.
This two-year initiative is designed to improve emergency preparedness
and response by removing the legal barriers that hinder effective
and timely collaboration between the private, nonprofit, and public
sectors. The initiative will focus on two selected legislative/policy
areas:
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Good Samaritan Entity Liability
Protection Initiative for business and non-profit entities assisting
in community emergencies
Most state laws do not extend Good Samaritan liability
protection to businesses and non-profit entities that assist
communities in preparing for and responding to public health
emergencies.
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Common Workforce Policies During Public Health Emergencies and School Closures
During the 2003 SARS outbreak in Toronto, fear of lost wages was the leading inhibitor against voluntarily compliance with quarantine orders. There is a need for health officials, school administrators, and business leaders to develop common emergency human resources policies for emergency social distancing and school closure situations so that employers and government leaders can quickly communicate a consistent and effective message to workers during a serious event.
Materials have been developed to help community leaders host workshop discussions on this important topic. Click here for Tools for Stakeholders. |
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