ACF Region X – Disaster Human Services: Integrating Equity and Human Services Principles in Emergency Response

OHSEPR launched a series of regional deliveries of the OHSEPR Disaster Human Services: Integrating Equity and Human Services Principles in Emergency Response seminar in concert with ACF’s observance of National Preparedness Month as part of our efforts to advance a culture and support a community of preparedness. The seminars were intended to advance equitable disaster operations by equipping human services providers and emergency responders with the principles of disaster equity and disaster human services and providing examples of their application in disaster case management operations. The seminar was comprised of three modules:

• Module 1: Disaster Equity. Participants identified and mitigated disparities in disaster survivors’ recovery by providing services that are accessible, community-specific, and culturally tailored.
• Module 2: Disaster Human Services. Participants incorporated the four dimensions of OHSEPR’s definition of disaster human services across preparedness, response, and recovery planning and operations.
• Module 3: Disaster Human Services Case Management. Participants applied trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches to ensure that disaster case management operations are human-centered rather than centered on program eligibility.