Examining theories of public-private sector collaboration: health care for people with disabilities in emergency management

Abstract

As Americans observed in horror the incidents in Japan following a major earthquake followed by a tsunami and then a nuclear disaster, it is important to assess emergency planning effectiveness for all citizens, particularly the most vulnerable. Emergency managers in counties across the United States plan for every American citizen in case of natural disasters. Theories of Public Administration can illuminate the dynamics of the formulation and implementation of these plans. This study tests the level of cooperation, coordination and collaboration between local administrators and affected individuals and groups resulting from disaster and subsequent emergency response. The study examines the relationship between the needs of the disabled and the work of emergency management. As commitment increases, cooperation and collaboration have increased among emergency managers, health care providers and people with disabilities. This study involves interviews with 38 emergency managers who answered a series of questions about their level of contact, cooperation, coordination and/or collaboration with people with disabilities and health care professionals. The study results demonstrate some degree of progress in the collaboration of Emergency Managers, Health Care Professionals and People with disabilities. Health Care works have especially become more involved in planning and responding to emergencies as a result of the "pan flu" incident from a year earlier. But, there is still much room for improvement. People with disabilities serve on some local emergency planning committees in some locations in Indiana and Ohio. However, many emergency managers ignore this problem citing a lack of resources and time to make these connections. Many are addressing the resource and time constraints by engaging in continuous volunteerism to improve collaboration in support for people with disabilities in the emergency management process.