Suchergebnisse

Setting : On July 6, 2013, a train carrying oil derailed in downtown Lac-Mégantic (Quebec, Canada), causing major human, environmental, and economic impacts. We aim to describe, and learn from, public health strategies developed to enhance community resilience following the train derailment though the lens of the EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations. Intervention : Annual population-level surveys were conducted in Lac-Mégantic and surrounding areas to assess the long-term impacts of the disaster. Findings suggested that a solid upstream investment towards the development of adaptive capacity was needed. A "Day of Reflection" bringing together local stakeholders and citizens was organized, inspiring the elaboration of an innovative action plan. Leaders advocated for funding to support its implementation, leading to a substantial investment from the provincial government. Through a wide range of actions, the plan aims to bring psychosocial services closer to people, stay connected with the community, and foster community engagement. Outcomes : Several lessons have been identified. After a disaster, there needs to be a balanced focus between the gaps/needs and strengths/capacities of a community. Moreover, public health actors must collaborate closely, all along the continuum of the upstream-downstream paradigm, with local organizations and citizens. Implications : This unique experience, supported by an empirically-based framework, suggests that three vital ingredients are required for success in recovering from a disaster: (1) fostering community strengths and valuing citizen participation, (2) a strong political commitment to support upstream actions, and (3) a public health team able to support these actions. Contexte : Le 6 juillet 2013, un train transportant du pétrole déraillait au centre-ville de Lac-Mégantic (Québec, Canada), causant des impacts majeurs sur le plan humain, environnemental et économique. Notre objectif est de décrire les stratégies de santé publique développées pour favoriser la résilience communautaire suivant la tragédie ferroviaire et d'en tirer des leçons, à travers la lentille du « EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations ». Intervention : Des enquêtes populationnelles ont été réalisées annuellement à Lac-Mégantic et les environs pour examiner les conséquences à long terme de la catastrophe. Les résultats suggèrent qu'un important effort en amont était nécessaire afin de développer la capacité d'adaptation. Une journée de réflexion rassemblant des partenaires locaux et des citoyens a été organisée, inspirant l'élaboration d'un plan d'action innovant. Les leaders ont plaidé pour l'obtention d'un financement afin de soutenir son implantation, ce qui a mené à un investissement substantiel du gouvernement du Québec. À travers un large éventail d'actions, le plan vise à rapprocher les services psychosociaux de la population, rester connecté avec la communauté et promouvoir la mobilisation communautaire. Retombées : Plusieurs leçons ont été tirées. Après une catastrophe, on doit porter une attention à la fois sur les lacunes/besoins et les forces/capacités de la communauté. De plus, les acteurs de santé publique doivent collaborer étroitement, autant en amont qu'en aval, avec les organisations locales et les citoyens. Implications : Cette expérience unique, soutenue par un cadre fondé sur des données empiriques, suggère que trois composantes sont essentielles au succès du rétablissement post-catastrophe: (1) la valorisation des forces de la communauté et de la participation citoyenne, (2) un engagement politique fort pour soutenir les actions en amont, et (3) une équipe de santé publique capable de soutenir ces actions.

SETTING: On July 6, 2013, a train carrying oil derailed in downtown Lac-Mégantic (Quebec, Canada), causing major human, environmental, and economic impacts. We aim to describe, and learn from, public health strategies developed to enhance community resilience following the train derailment though the lens of the EnRiCH Community Resilience Framework for High-Risk Populations. INTERVENTION: Annual population-level surveys were conducted in Lac-Mégantic and surrounding areas to assess the long-term impacts of the disaster. Findings suggested that a solid upstream investment towards the development of adaptive capacity was needed. A "Day of Reflection" bringing together local stakeholders and citizens was organized, inspiring the elaboration of an innovative action plan. Leaders advocated for funding to support its implementation, leading to a substantial investment from the provincial government. Through a wide range of actions, the plan aims to bring psychosocial services closer to people, stay connected with the community, and foster community engagement. OUTCOMES: Several lessons have been identified. After a disaster, there needs to be a balanced focus between the gaps/needs and strengths/capacities of a community. Moreover, public health actors must collaborate closely, all along the continuum of the upstream-downstream paradigm, with local organizations and citizens. IMPLICATIONS: This unique experience, supported by an empirically-based framework, suggests that three vital ingredients are required for success in recovering from a disaster: (1) fostering community strengths and valuing citizen participation, (2) a strong political commitment to support upstream actions, and (3) a public health team able to support these actions.

PurposeThe current pandemic and ongoing climate risks highlight the limited capacity of various systems, including health and social ones, to respond to population-scale and long-term threats. Practices to reduce the impacts on the health and well-being of populations must evolve from a reactive mode to preventive, proactive and concerted actions beginning at individual and community levels. Experiences and lessons learned from the pandemic will help to better prevent and reduce the psychosocial impacts of floods, or other hydroclimatic risks, in a climate change context.Design/methodology/approachThe present paper first describes the complexity and the challenges associated with climate change and systemic risks. It also presents some systemic frameworks of mental health determinants, and provides an overview of the different types of psychosocial impacts of disasters. Through various Quebec case studies and using lessons learned from past and recent flood-related events, recommendations are made on how to better integrate individual and community factors in disaster response.FindingsResults highlight the fact that people who have been affected by the events are significantly more likely to have mental health problems than those not exposed to flooding. They further demonstrate the adverse and long-term effects of floods on psychological health, notably stemming from indirect stressors at the community and institutional levels. Different strategies are proposed from individual-centered to systemic approaches, in putting forward the advantages from intersectoral and multirisk researches and interventions.Originality/valueThe establishment of an intersectoral flood network, namely the InterSectoral Flood Network of Québec (RIISQ), is presented as an interesting avenue to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and a systemic view of flood risks. Intersectoral work is proving to be a major issue in the management of systemic risks, and should concern communities, health and mental health professionals, and the various levels of governance. As climate change is called upon to lead to more and more systemic risks, close collaboration between all the areas concerned with the management of the factors of vulnerability and exposure of populations will be necessary to respond effectively to damages and impacts (direct and indirect) linked to new meteorological and compound hazards. This means as well to better integrate the communication managers into the risk management team.