This morning like many in Massachusetts, I got out of bed early to sign up for a COVID-19 vaccine. I logged into the computer to find that while there were a few spots open, the websites had not been updated to include the vaccine group I fall under. I tried a while later to find that many sites that said they had vaccine appointments, actually did not have appointments. Each time I tried a new site there was the lengthy process of filling out the needed forms--unlike most websites, the information entered did not save so you had to put it in again and again.
I tried multiple ways to log into the site only to be met with one problem after another and not available appointments. Several times I got into the site, filled out most or all of the form, and was bounced out before the final steps. It was frustrating.
I've thought a lot about public health, safety, and emergency measures lately for many reasons. I think it is time to update our services to one another. I believe our systems are outdated which leaves people at great risk of health and safety problems. What can we do?
Communication
We need to have a central location that lists the essential information of all people in a community. People should be encouraged to keep the information up-to-date with regard to phone numbers, addresses, and next-of-kin. This is important because in any emergency it is important to be able to contact all people that fall within the emergency locale and safety information. The organization of information on websites is important--the websites should be nested which means the front page has the essential information that's easy to find, use, and then you can click into more and more detailed information as needed.
We also need a variety of ways to let people know about emergencies, and people have to understand those communication avenues. For example, there may be a chain of communication that is in place such as texts, social media messages, television/radio annoucements and then community signals such as loud alarms or other measures for times when technology and electricity don't work.
Further we need good tech teams to lead communication, data, and information efforts. Clearly those that created the websites for pandemic-related information could have been better. This is another area for improvement.
County Leadership
I believe it is time to move to a public health team to run the state's public health and safety measures. Each county has its own needs and considerations. If each county had a public health and safety director and staff, they could represent their county well and work with a team of county coordinators to lead optimal public health measures. As we move towards better living, the role of public health becomes more and more important. We understand now that public health offers extraordinary ways to tackle all kinds of problems including sensible gun laws/use, antiracism efforts, preventative health habits, and more.
The problems we've faced during the pandemic, in part, have awakened all of us to the need for better public health efforts everywhere. These are a couple of my ideas for betterment. What would you add.