Introductory Email

Attachment D—Introduction Email

Dear State or Territory Public Health Preparedness Program Director:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting an assessment of disaster risk reduction (DRR) knowledge and practices among state and territory public health preparedness programs. This assessment will be used to understand knowledge gaps and barriers to implementing DRR as a part of regular public health preparedness activities.

Disaster risk reduction aims to reduce the damage caused by natural hazards like earthquakes, floods, droughts and cyclones, through an ethic of prevention. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) defines Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as “the concept and practice of reducing disaster risks through systematic efforts to analyze and reduce the causal factors of disasters. Reducing exposure to hazards, lessening vulnerability of people and property, wise management of land and the environment, and improving preparedness and early warning for adverse events are all examples of disaster risk reduction”^1.

The information collected in this survey may be used for several purposes such as: identifying gaps and best practices in public health DRR knowledge and activities, recognizing research opportunities, and evaluating education and training gaps. The CDC will also use this information to guide future activities that raise awareness about DRR and its implications for public health practice.

Within the next few days you will receive an invitation to answer a short survey about your program’s familiarity and interest in DRR principles as well as barriers to implementing DRR practices. Additionally, you may access and take the survey now at [XXX.com].

Please note:

• This survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

• Participation is this survey is voluntary. You may refuse to answer any question or discontinue your involvement at any time without penalty.

• Results of the data analysis will be reported ONLY in aggregate.

• No individual identifiers will be used when reporting results.

• You are able to view and answer our on-line survey tool available NOW at: [XXXXX.com]

• For any questions contact: Mollie Mahany at [email protected] or 770.488.0518 and/or Miguel Cruz at [email protected] or 770.488.3637

• A courtesy call will be made to your agency if no response is received within 14 days.

Thank you in advance for your participation!!

___________________

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Miguel A. Cruz, PhD Mollie Mahany, MPH

[email protected] [email protected]

770.488.3637 770.488.0518

¹ http://www.unisdr.org/who-we-are/what-is-drr