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Assessment 2: Community Resources

Dana

Capella University

4060

Professor Name

16th March, 2023

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Community Resources

Community resources are the various types of services, facilities, and assets that are

available within a community to support the well-being and development of its members. These

resources can include educational institutions, healthcare facilities, community centers, parks,

public transportation, social services, and more. Community resources are vital for creating and

maintaining healthy and thriving communities (Health, 2019).

One important aspect of community resources is that they can help to address the needs

of community members. For example, access to quality healthcare facilities can help promote

health and wellness, while educational institutions can provide access to knowledge and skills

necessary for personal and professional growth (Marty-Jimenez, 2018). Another key importance

of community resources is that they can help support economic development and attract new

businesses and residents to a community. By investing in public amenities and infrastructure, a

community can create an attractive environment for businesses and residents, ultimately leading

to increased economic growth and development (Straza, 2018).

FEMA’s Mission and Vision

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an agency of the United States

government that is responsible for coordinating the federal government's response to natural

disasters and emergencies. While FEMA's primary mission is emergency management, its vision

is to "prepare the nation for all hazards and manage federal response and recovery efforts

following any national incident." This vision enables FEMA to contribute to public health and

safety improvements in a number of ways (FEMA, 2022).

One example of a local initiative that supports FEMA's mission and vision is the

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program. CERT trains individuals and
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community groups in emergency preparedness, disaster response, and basic first aid. By

empowering local communities to take an active role in emergency preparedness and response,

CERT helps to build resilient communities that are better able to cope with disasters and

emergencies (Freedland et al., 2019).

On a global scale, FEMA works with international partners to support disaster

preparedness and response efforts around the world. For example, FEMA has worked with the

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide technical assistance to countries in

Asia and the Pacific region on disaster risk reduction and response. Through this partnership,

FEMA has helped to strengthen disaster preparedness and response capabilities in countries such

as the Philippines and Vietnam (Padilla & Hudson, 2019).

Another way FEMA contributes to public health and safety improvements is by

supporting initiatives that address specific health threats. For example, FEMA provides funding

and support for the National Preparedness for Response Exercise Program (PREP), which helps

communities prepare for and respond to incidents involving hazardous materials. By improving

preparedness and response capabilities for hazardous materials incidents, PREP helps to protect

public health and ensure their safety (Aruru et al., 2020).

Promotion of Equal Opportunity and Improve Quality of Life in a Community

FEMA's ability to promote equal opportunity and improve the quality of life in the

community is a complex issue that is influenced by a variety of factors. While FEMA has made

significant progress in recent years, there are still areas where the agency can improve its efforts

to promote equity and access for all members of the community (Vilá et al., 2022). One key

factor that affects FEMA's ability to promote equal opportunity is the availability of resources.

FEMA is responsible for responding to disasters and emergencies, and the agency is often tasked
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with providing resources and support to communities that have been disproportionately affected.

However, the availability of resources can be limited, and there may be competing

demands for those resources. This can make it difficult for FEMA to ensure that all members of

the community have equal access to the support and resources they require (Smith & Vila, 2020).

Effects of Social, Cultural, Economic, and Physical Barriers

There are several challenges and barriers faced by FEMA in its deliverance of services

that includes the following,

Social Barriers

One significant social barrier that affects FEMA's ability to promote equal opportunity is

systemic racism and discrimination. Disasters and emergencies can disproportionately affect

marginalized communities, and they may face additional challenges in accessing the resources

and support they need to recover (Rodriguez-Díaz & Lewellen-Williams, 2020). FEMA has

made efforts to address these disparities, such as by establishing a Civil Rights Division and

developing a Disaster Equity Framework. However, more work is needed to address these

underlying issues and ensure that all members of the community have access to critical resources

and support (Kim & Sutley, 2021).

Cultural Barriers

Cultural barriers can also affect FEMA's ability to promote equal opportunity. For

example, language barriers can make it challenging for non-English speakers to access critical

information and resources during disasters and emergencies. FEMA has developed resources and

partnerships to address these language barriers, such as through its Language Access Plan and

partnerships with community-based organizations. However, there is still a need for ongoing
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efforts to ensure that language barriers do not impede access to critical resources (Xiang et al.,

2021).

Economic Barriers

Economic barriers can also affect FEMA's ability to promote equal opportunity. Low-

income communities may have less access to resources and support, making it challenging them

to recover from disasters and emergencies. FEMA has taken steps to address these economic

barriers, such as by providing financial assistance and working with partners to develop

affordable housing options (Kermanshachi et al., 2019).

Physical Barriers

Physical barriers, such as inadequate infrastructure or lack of access to transportation, can

also affect FEMA's ability to promote equal opportunity. These physical barriers can make it

challenging for communities to access critical resources and support during disasters and

emergencies. FEMA has taken steps to address these physical barriers, such as by investing in

infrastructure and transportation options (Roan & Cromwell, 2019).

Impact of Funding Sources, Policy, and Legislation

The provision of services by FEMA is significantly impacted by funding sources, policy,

and legislation. These factors can have both positive and negative implications for individuals,

families, and aggregates within the community (Bukvic & Borate, 2020). Funding sources play a

crucial role in FEMA's ability to provide services. Federal funding is a significant source of

support for the agency, and the level of funding provided can affect the extent to which FEMA

can provide services to communities affected by disasters and emergencies. For example, a

decrease in funding may result in fewer resources and support available to individuals and
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families impacted by disasters. Equally, an increase in funding may result in more resources and

support being available to communities (Peterson et al., 2020).

Policy and legislation also play a critical role in FEMA's provision of services. These

factors can affect the agency's ability to respond to disasters and emergencies, as well as the

resources and support available to impacted communities. For example, the Stafford Act

provides the legal authority for FEMA to respond to disasters, and amendments to this legislation

can affect the agency's ability to provide services (Elkin, 2022). Additionally, policy decisions

related to emergency management and disaster response, such as the development of disaster

recovery plans, can have significant implications for individuals, families, and aggregates within

the community (Boersma et al., 2021).

Potential Implications

The potential implications of funding decisions, policy, and legislation for individuals,

families, and aggregates within the community can be significant. For example, a lack of funding

or changes in policy may result in longer wait times for disaster assistance or limited resources

available for recovery efforts. This can have negative impacts on individuals and families

impacted by disasters, particularly those who may be more vulnerable or have fewer resources to

begin with (Siders, 2018). Equally, funding increases and positive policy decisions can result in

more support being available to communities impacted by disasters and emergencies, improving

the recovery process for individuals and families (Yanilmaz et al., 2021).

Impact of FEMA on the Health and Safety Needs of the Local Community

FEMA's work has a significant impact on the health and safety needs of a local

community during and after disasters and emergencies. When a community experiences a

disaster, such as a natural disaster or a terrorist attack, FEMA plays a critical role in providing
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support and resources to help the community recover (Heshmati et al., 2021). One way FEMA

influences the health and safety needs of a local community is by providing medical assistance.

FEMA's Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMAT) provide medical care to people who are

injured or have medical needs during a disaster. They may also provide medical supplies and

equipment to support local healthcare facilities (Akitomi et al., 2020).

FEMA also provides support for food and water supplies. In the aftermath of a disaster,

access to clean drinking water and nutritious food can be compromised. FEMA works with local

authorities to distribute emergency food and water supplies to impacted communities (Hallagan

et al., 2020). Shelter is another critical need that FEMA addresses in the aftermath of disasters.

The agency works with local authorities to provide temporary housing options for people who

have been displaced from their homes because of any calamity. This can include setting up

emergency shelters or providing rental assistance for displaced families (Choi & Wehde, 2020).

How Nurses Might Become Involved with FEMA

Nurses can become involved with FEMA in several ways to support the organization's

efforts and promote the health and safety of local communities. One way is to join FEMA's

Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), which is composed of healthcare professionals who

can provide medical assistance during disasters and emergencies. Nurses can play a critical role

in providing care to individuals and families impacted by disasters, particularly those with

chronic illnesses or injuries (Kim, 2020).

Another way nurses can become involved with FEMA is by volunteering with local

emergency management agencies. Nurses can use their skills and expertise to support disaster

preparedness efforts and provide medical care during disasters and emergencies. This can
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include developing emergency response plans, providing medical care at emergency shelters, and

supporting mental health needs of impacted individuals and families (Siebeneck et al., 2022).

Additionally, nurses can become involved with FEMA by advocating for policies and

resources that support disaster preparedness and response. This can include advocating for

funding to support emergency management efforts, promoting disaster education and training for

healthcare professionals, and supporting policies that promote equitable access to resources and

services for vulnerable populations during disasters (Gershon, MHS, DrPH et al., 2021).

Conclusion

Community resources are crucial for the growth and development of individuals and

communities as they support health, education, social connections, and economic vitality. While

FEMA has made progress in promoting equal opportunity and improving the quality of life in the

community, more work needs to be done to address social, cultural, economic, and physical

barriers. Funding sources, policy, and legislation have significant implications for individuals,

families, and aggregates within the community, which stakeholders must consider while making

emergency management and disaster response decisions. Additionally, nurses can play a critical

role in supporting FEMA's efforts by becoming involved with the organization through

volunteering, joining the DMAT, and advocating for policies and resources that promote disaster

preparedness and response. Their involvement can help improve the health and safety of local

communities during disasters and emergencies.

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