Coronavirus Preparedness and Response (CPAR)

Project goals and objectives

Through CPAR, GLITEC has launched an emergency response website and a new email delivery system. This work was guided by a survey that assessed the communication emergency response needs of Native communities and identified effective communication interfaces.

• Bemidji Area Emergency Response Website: This website is designed to function as a single, centralized location where Native community members, Tribal leaders, and health professionals can find information related to COVID-19 and other emergencies in the Bemidji Area. The website contains content that reflects Indigenous cultures.
• Email Delivery System: Sign up to get emails from GLITEC on topics you care about, such as events and news alerts. Through this platform, information from GLITEC and state, federal, and other partners can be shared rapidly and efficiently, allowing community members and decision-makers to access the information they need to respond to emerging crises on community and individual levels.

In addition, CPAR is helping disseminate regular epidemiology situation reports, is working to develop risk communication materials, has been hosting calls with Bemidji Area communities, and will assess opportunities for improving the communication platform and activities.

All of the CPAR project’s strategies and activities have been designed to facilitate communication with Native communities in the Bemidji Area during emergency response efforts and empower the communities in responding to COVID-19 and other emergencies. Overall, the CPAR activities are intended to provide new and better ways to connect with Native communities, facilitate partnerships, improve communication, and provide and receive information.