Kentucky Outreach and Information Network (KOIN)
In the event of a disaster, many people can be hard to reach through radio and television or even by word of mouth. This can happen if they live in a remote rural area, do not speak English or have a disability such as the deaf and hard of hearing.
The CHFS is working to build a person-to-person network that can reach hard-to-reach populations by holding workshops, distributing brochures, a video and other communication efforts. If you know of families and individuals who may need special outreach, please contact your local public health department planners with information that can ensure they are informed in a crisis.
Individuals included in the Kentucky Outreach and Information Network (KOIN) include some of the state's most difficult to reach populations such as:
- Deaf/Hard of hearing
- Blind or visually-impaired
- Limited English proficiency speakers, individuals with low literacy levels or the illiterate
- Elderly/children
- Disabled
- Remote rural residents
- Economically disadvantaged
The network is referred to as the KOIN. Through the KOIN, the state is pushing preparedness responsibilities to trusted people and agencies in local communities, to informal and formal groups (the "go to" people who are trusted sources of information on many topics), and to the media. Through the KOIN, not only will official agencies be prepared, but so will trusted local sources of information - the media and those who provide services to special populations.
The goal of the KOIN is to ensure that in the event of a public health emergency, communication channels are in place and that the KOIN members understand their role for notifying individuals within their appropriate channels. This network can be utilized not only in emergencies or disasters, but also to protect the health of Kentucky citizens in more day-to-day situations such as immunization clinics, diabetes education/screening or flu shot distribution.
Trust plays an important role in how people receive messages during a time of emergency. Research shows that people tend to trust and rely on people they already know more than they rely on outside sources, such as the government or media. That is why the Kentucky Department for Public Health is identifying people who are trusted in their communities or by the population groups they serve to form the KOIN that will get information out to the public when normal channels of communication are blocked or are not working. This network is crucial to the state's plan for reaching traditionally hard to reach populations. The special needs populations with obvious information disadvantages include people who reside in rural areas where radio, TV, satellite and cell phone signals can be spotty; people who do not speak English; people who are blind; and those who are deaf or have hearing impairments.
Note: To view files listed below, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free download is available here.
Click here to read the informative KOIN fact sheet.
Click here to read the study paper Reaching Vulnerable Populations in Widespread Emergencies: Lessons Learned in Kentucky.
Click here to read view the draft public health workbook that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently developing to help state's define, locate and reach special, vulnerable and at-risk populations in an emergency.
2007 Kentucky Preparedness Survey - This survey study was conducted in 2007 as a continuation of a preparedness study completed in 2004, 2005 and 2006 that measured the level of preparedness of Kentucky residents, including members of vulnerable populations.
For additional information on the KOIN or for additional information on special populations in Kentucky, refer to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Community Information Guide or other materials available here.
Click here to view the most recent KOIN newsletter.
KOIN materials are available here.
Those individuals that feel they are qualified to participate in the KOIN are encouraged to contact Barbara Fox, Public Information Officer, Cabinet for Health and Family Services at (502) 564-6786 Ext. 4411 or email.
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