Disaster Preparedness for Children with Special Nutrition Needs

Children with special health care needs (CSHCN) require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required generally by children. They may have special nutrition needs and require specialized formula and medical equipment to provide adequate nutrition. Thus, families of CSHCN and/or children with special nutrition needs (CSNN) will have to take additional steps to adequately prepare for a disaster. No recommendations currently exist to provide appropriate preparedness recommendations for families of CSNN, but providing recommendations is essential in ensuring families of CSNN have appropriate information available to attain an adequate level of preparedness.

The purpose of this project was to:

• Complete a needs assessment related to disaster preparedness recommendations for families of CSHCN and/or CSNN.
• Identify “gaps” in current disaster preparedness recommendations through literature review and key stakeholder interviews.
• Develop disaster preparedness recommendations for families of CSNN.
• Create education materials to communicate recommendations for disaster preparedness to families of CSNN and health care providers.

Materials Available

• Poster

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Project Type(s): MPH Practicum, PH Concentration Poster

Author(s): Russell Owen

Program(s): Master of Public Health, RDN Training

Year: 2011

Adviser(s):

• Anne Lund