Business and Public Health Collaboration for Emergency Preparedness in Georgia
Author Information
Author(s): Buehler James W, Whitney Ellen A, Berkelman Ruth L
Primary Institution: Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
Hypothesis
Can collaboration between businesses and public health agencies improve emergency preparedness in Georgia?
Conclusion
The partnership has established essential relationships and developed a model for collaborative emergency mass dispensing of pharmaceuticals, which is set for expansion.
Supporting Evidence
- The partnership has engaged substantial private resources in government preparedness programs.
- Lessons learned from the collaboration are applicable to other public health and business leaders.
- The partnership has improved emergency response capacity in metropolitan Atlanta.
- Trust and understanding have increased through collaborative engagement in complex projects.
Takeaway
Businesses and public health officials in Georgia worked together to prepare for emergencies, like natural disasters, by sharing resources and planning together.
Methodology
The study was a case study based on interviews with 26 participants from government, business, and academia.
Potential Biases
Concerns about confidentiality and liability may deter businesses from engaging in pre-event planning.
Limitations
The partnership faces limits of volunteerism and institutional constraints, which may affect its capacity to expand.
Participant Demographics
Participants included government officials, business leaders, and academic representatives involved in the collaboration.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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