Governor Josh Green, MD | DOH Press Release – Kaua’i District Health Unit to Conduct CASPER Investigation
DOH Press Release – Kaua’i District Health Unit to Conduct CASPER Investigation Posted May 26, 2023 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
LĪHUʻE, HI – The Kaua’i District Health Office of the Department of Health (DOH) will conduct a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER) survey to assess the level of emergency preparedness and well- being current of Kauaʻi households.
“The responses will build on previous CASPER surveys to assess household emergency preparedness and evacuation plans, as well as help us understand how Kauaʻi households are faring as we emerge from the pandemic,” said said Lauren Guest, assistant district health officer, Kaua’i Regional Health Office. “The information we learn enables our office and the county to better respond to the needs of our community before, during and after a disaster. In addition, it is a valuable training opportunity for our staff.
Survey teams will go door-to-door (June 6-9, 2023) in 30 census tracts that are weighted toward the county’s most populated areas. Seven houses in each plot will be systematically selected and studied. The investigation teams are made up of personnel from the Kaua’i District Health Unit with support from the Kaua’i Medical Reserve Corps and the American Red Cross. O’ahu DOH staff will also be present to participate and learn from this process.
“We greatly appreciate the participation of Kaua’i residents in this island-wide survey effort,” said Kaua’i District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman. “Mahalo for generously sharing your time and responses with our investigation teams.”
The survey takes approximately 10 minutes and selected households will be asked about the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, levels of emergency preparedness supplies, contingency plans for various hazards, as well as general questions about the life in Kaua’i. All survey responses will be confidential and survey teams will not collect names or addresses.
Team members will wear vests identifying themselves as part of the DOH investigative team and will carry identification cards. Survey teams will wear face masks and physical distancing will be observed. Participating households will have the option of completing the survey by telephone, if they prefer.
The CASPER survey methodology was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to quickly assess the health and other resource needs of a community after a disaster.
This will be the sixth DOH CASPER investigation conducted on Kauaʻi. To view previous CASPER investigation reports, please visit: https://health.hawaii.gov/kauai/
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Shawn Hamamoto
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health department
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Phone: (808) 586-4417
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