NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 3 Disaster Recovery Plan Impact of Health and Governmental Policies on Disaster Recovery Efforts

Impact of Health and Governmental Policies on Disaster Recovery Efforts

Governmental policies such as The Stafford Act and Disaster Recovery Reform Act (DRRA) are some of the prominent laws that positively impact disaster recovery efforts. Enacted in 1988, the Stafford Act serves as the primary federal law governing disaster response and recovery in the United States. It provides the legal framework for the federal government to coordinate assistance and support to state and local governments in times of disaster.

The Stafford Act outlines the process for declaring a disaster, accessing federal funding for recovery efforts, and implementing various disaster assistance programs, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance for individuals, public assistance for infrastructure repair, and hazard mitigation grants (Alcendor et al., 2024). The Act also establishes eligibility criteria, application procedures, and reporting requirements for disaster assistance, ensuring accountability and transparency in the allocation of resources.

Similarly, passed in 2018, the DRRA introduced several reforms aimed at improving disaster resilience, streamlining recovery processes, and enhancing accountability. Among the DRRA’s main features are financing for pre-disaster mitigation, grants to reduce risk, prioritization of proactive measures to improve community resilience, and financial aid to promote disaster recovery and mitigation efforts. Additionally, the DRRA emphasizes the importance of incorporating the latest science and technology into disaster planning and response. Additionally, this policy promotes enhancing coordination between federal, state, and local agencies to expedite recovery efforts and minimize bureaucratic delays (Rouhanizadeh et al., 2020).

Logical Policy Implications

The specific provisions of the Stafford Act, such as the provision of access to Federal assistance, hold significant implications for community members. Community members of Carterdale rely on the provision of access to federal assistance programs, such as housing assistance, disaster loans, and public infrastructure repair funding, to rebuild their lives and communities after a disaster (Greer & Trainor, 2021). Understanding the eligibility criteria and application procedures outlined in the Act is crucial for individuals seeking financial aid and support. Similarly, Provisions of the DRRA prioritize investments in pre-disaster mitigation and resilience-building efforts, encouraging communities to address underlying risks and vulnerabilities to future disasters proactively. Community members of Carterdale can leverage these provisions to advocate for and participate in mitigation projects aimed at reducing their exposure to hazards and enhancing their resilience to disasters (Rouhanizadeh et al., 2020).

Strategies to Overcome Communication Barriers and Enhance Collaboration

 Certain evidence-based strategies can enhance interprofessional collaboration and reduce communication obstacles in disaster recovery operations. These strategies, supported by relevant and trustworthy evidence, affect various stakeholders, including members of the disaster relief team, people, households, and neighborhoods.

• Leveraging technology and communication tools, such as mobile applications, social media platforms, and telecommunication systems, can facilitate real-time communication and information sharing among members of the disaster relief team. Studies have shown that the use of technology-enabled communication tools improves communication efficiency and coordination during disaster response operations (Hassounah et al., 2020). 
• Engaging community members in disaster recovery efforts and facilitating two-way communication channels for information sharing can enhance community resilience and participation. Studies have demonstrated that community engagement strategies, such as community meetings, focus groups, and public forums, promote trust, cooperation, and active involvement in disaster response and recovery activities (Geekiyanage et al., 2020). 

NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 3 Disaster Recovery Plan

• Conducting interprofessional simulation exercises involving members of the disaster relief team from various disciplines, including healthcare, emergency management, and social services, can enhance teamwork and collaboration. Evidence suggests that interprofessional training programs and simulation exercises improve team dynamics, communication skills, and decision-making abilities in disaster settings (Fifolt et al., 2021).

Implementing these strategies will strengthen recovery efforts and improve outcomes for community members. These strategies have the potential to enhance communication effectiveness,