08-09-2023 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey County │ Annex H: Mass Care and Shelter 13 Two common methods of mass feeding include fixed or mobile (see Section 3.5.1.4 Points of Distribution). Most mass feeding will be accomplished through direct distribution during shelter-in-place operations or as necessary to equitably address the unique cultural and accessibility needs of the County’s diverse populations. Direct distribution may be accomplished through assistance from Meals on Wheels and similar CBOs that regularly provide this service and have established relationships and processes. In a large disaster, a call center may support registering those individuals who require direct distribution. In addition, CHS will coordinate eligibility screening for emergency assistance and food support benefits, authorizing additional benefits and replacement electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards for current income and food support recipients. 3.1.7.6 Incident Status Information It is important to keep the public informed on the incident status. Impacted populations are likely to be especially interested in information related to their impacted neighborhood and community areas. Therefore, message boards must be updated regularly. If radio listening or television viewing options are made available within shelters, these should be sequestered away from the common area so that impacted populations can listen to or view news at times of their choosing. Culturally appropriate, understandable, and ADA accessible incident updates will be accommodated and prioritized. Changes to evolving communication needs may require collaboration and repeated feedback cycles with key community leaders of the disproportionately impacted populations, particularly for message language translations. It is important that all incident status information come from the EOC PIO or JIC representative. Some impacted populations may find it difficult to listen to around-the-clock coverage of disaster information. Establishing and sustaining trusted feedback loops on the communications outreach will be critical for ensuring effective public information messaging, reducing emotional distress, and maintaining community focus on their resiliency and progress towards an informed, equitable recovery. 3.1.7.7 Medical Health Services Health care issues will arise in shelter facilities; therefore, ensure informed access to adequate, equitably, and culturally competent health care services for all impacted community members, prioritizing known high risk populations. It is also necessary to maintain records of all health incidents and related actions taken. Some impacted populations within general population shelters may have medical needs that cannot be met within the shelter environment. Proactively address the provision of culturally competent medical health services to ensure equity for each diverse population that may require interpreters and other accessibility support services. Ramsey County MRC will act as the lead agency for medical and health services, including infection prevention and control at each shelter. During an incident necessitating multiple shelter sites, MRC- coordinated medical services may be provided at only one or a small number of specified shelter sites. 3.1.7.8 Referral to Recovery Services Once an incident begins to stabilize, recovery resources will become available for individuals and families. These may be provided through federal or state partners, local government, ARC, or other