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Ramsey County | Base Plan 13
<br />Vulnerable populations are recognized in the disaster response context as potentially having
<br />exacerbated safety concerns.
<br />Marginalized populations are groups and communities that experience discrimination and exclusion
<br />(social, political, and economic) because of unequal power relationships across economic, political,
<br />social and cultural dimensions. Marginalized populations have become touchpoints of concern across
<br />the nation, including during disaster response, with COVID-19 highlighting many long-standing systemic
<br />health and social inequities that have put communities of racial and ethnic minorities at risk. RCEMHS
<br />and all disaster response partner organizations are committed to assist individuals who traditionally may
<br />face discrimination and are vulnerable to exploitation or victimization.
<br />Social demographic needs that shall be considered, include, but are not limited to, race and ethnicity,
<br />including indigenous peoples, communities of color, and immigrant and refugee communities; gender;
<br />age, including the elderly and youth; sexual and gender minorities; people with disabilities; occupation
<br />and income level including low-income individuals and the unhoused; education level; people with no or
<br />limited English language proficiency; as well as geographic location. In the context of elevated social
<br />vulnerabilities, the ability of these and other diverse populations located throughout the County to
<br />safely respond to an unfolding disaster may not be the same as more mainstreamed populations.
<br />RCEMHS is committed to respond to diverse populations with culturally inclusive and equitable access to
<br />the same services, aids, and benefits, and in the same manner for all. Additionally, the County and
<br />municipalities ensures cultural competence in disaster preparedness and response policies, processes,
<br />protocols, service delivery and communications about the services. Persons representing the diverse
<br />demographics of local jurisdictions will be engaged and integrated into planning and operational
<br />response activities, and their input and feedback incorporated to provide quality assurance of inclusive
<br />practices. Disaster responders are supported by agency leadership in building professional skills for
<br />interacting sensitively, effectively, and professionally with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic,
<br />educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, age groups, and lifestyle preferences.
<br />As local demographics within the County shift, new community champions emerge, and response needs
<br />evolve, all formal and informally designated responders (e.g., formal emergency management staff,
<br />Disaster Service Workers, CERT members, enlisted volunteers) will maintain a dedicated effort to
<br />cultural inclusion, diversity, and equity throughout all emergency operations.
<br />1.5.1 INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES, ACCESS, AND FUNCTIONAL NEEDS (DAFN)
<br />Prioritized support of individuals with DAFN is a critical piece of RCEMHS’s approach to equity, social
<br />justice, and inclusion. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as a
<br />person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life
<br />activities. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently
<br />have a disability. For example, an individual undergoing treatment for cancer (which substantially limits
<br />one or more major life activities) could be classified as having a disability even once they are in
<br />remission. It also includes individuals who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a
<br />disability. Under the ADA, a person with a disability is one who:
<br />•Has a physical or mental impairment.
<br />•Has a record of such an impairment.
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