OVERVIEW
In public health emergencies, it is important to ensure information and services are accessible by our communities. Vulnerable populations, as defined by the National Response Framework, are "populations whose members may have additional needs before, during and after an incident in functional areas, including but not limited to: maintaining independence, communication, transportation, supervision, and medical care". In addition to people with disabilities, others with special needs such as those without access to transportation, children who are sometimes home alone, persons who do not speak English, individuals with limited financial resources, and people who are in confined facilities may require exceptional assistance. It is estimated that up to 20% of Americans are disabled and the Americans with Disabilities Act specifically prohibits exclusion of persons from the benefits of services or programs solely because they are disabled.
  
In order to better identify and manage vulnerable populations for emergency preparedness, there is a basic need to know where these populations are located and what organizations and services are available nearby to help meet the needs of these populations. These geographical considerations are needed to address the complex challenges of planning, responding, and managing vulnerable populations. Knowing exactly where an at-risk population is and where relevant resources are located, is critical for logistical planning and execution. To ensure that the vulnerable population receives the necessary support during emergencies, public health workforce would benefit from efficient use of an evidence based spatial (geographical) decision support system such as a geographic information system (GIS) utilizing Health Geoinformatics tools.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this session is to present an overview of concepts, applications, and the value of GIS and other related technologies as a means to collect, manage, analyze, visualize, track, and share information as a way to enhance public health emergency preparedness and response efforts. Examples of how GIS and Health Geoinformatics are being used in emergency preparedness response practices will be used for interactive discussion.

OBJECTIVES
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe with examples the role of GIS and Health Geoinformatics in planning, responding, and managing emergencies associated with special populations
2. Identify geospatial tools in desktop, mobile, and online solutions that can be used to enhance vulnerable population preparedness and emergency response
3. Interpret and utilize various geographic information products including maps, reports, charts, and tables in emergency preparedness and management

ABOUT THE TRAINER

Seth Wiafe is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and also serves as the Academic Director of the Health Geoinformatics program for Loma Linda University School of Public Health (LLUSPH). He served as health GIS marketing coordinator for ESRI's Health and Human Services Solutions group from 2002-2005. Wiafe received his Bachelor of Science in Public Health (BSPH) degree in Health Geographics from LLUSPH in June 2002 and Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in Environmental & Occupational Health in 2004. Wiafe served as listserv administrator of Pacific Public Health Training Center (PPHTC) from 2002 - 2005. He is involved with both local and international projects relating to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) health applications, including the partnership for quality medical donations (PQMD) mapping project, and the African American Health Initiative (AAHI) project of San Bernardino County. Wiafe serves as co-investigator for the LLU Center for Public Health Preparedness and the Regional Academic Center of Excellence in Environmental Health. Currently, under the LLU Center for Public Health Preparedness, Wiafe leads a project that has developed a Vector Control Surveillance System which is currently being used by San Bernardino County Health Department Vector Control Division. He is also the GIS specialist responsible for developing spatial models for recruiting subjects for the National Children Study - San Bernardino.