The Department of Health (DOH) Kauai Regional Health Department will be conducting a Public Community Assessment Health Emergency Preparedness (CASPER) survey. This survey aims to evaluate the emergency preparedness level and current health status of households in Kauai. The survey team will visit 30 census tracts that are densely populated in the county and systematically select seven homes within each district to survey from June 6th to June 9th, 2023.
Previous CASPER research was used to assess household emergency preparedness and evacuation plans to understand how Kauai households are coping following the pandemic. Kauai Deputy District Health Officer, Lauren Guest, stated that the information they learn will help them better serve the needs of their communities before, during, and after a disaster. In addition, this survey serves as a valuable training opportunity for Kauai Regional Health Department staff and participating Oahu DOH staff.
The research team is made up of Kauai Regional Health Department staff members who are supported by the Kauai Medical Reserve and the American Red Cross. All survey responses will be treated confidentially, and the research team will not collect names or addresses. The team members wear vests identifying them as members of the DOH investigation team and carry identification. Participating households will be provided with the opportunity to complete the survey by telephone if desired.
The CASPER survey methodology was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assess community health and other resource needs after a disaster. This will be the sixth CASPER survey conducted by DOH on Kauai. Kauai District Health Officer, Dr. Janet Bereman, thanks Kauai residents for their participation in this research effort. Participating households will be informed about the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the provision of emergency preparedness. They will be asked questions about their emergency plans for various hazards and general questions about life on Kauai.
For those interested in viewing previous CASPER research reports, visit the DOH website. For media inquiries, you may contact DOH spokesperson Sean Hamamoto via email at [email protected], via phone at (808) 586-4417, or mobile at (808) 722-5380.