June 2017 - Parks & Recreation - 19

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community education sessions, online content and informative
handouts. Consider partnering with local physicians and epidemiologists to share insights relative to risk factors, trends and
prevention methods. Also, partner with leaders of your local park
and recreation department or public works department to address
specific local concerns - such as areas of your community with
standing water that could form breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Place a strong emphasis on educating women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. Work closely with your
local hospitals, clinics and OBGYNs to offer the educational
support these women need to mitigate the heightened risks that
Zika poses to pregnant women and their unborn children.
Place signage reminding citizens to protect themselves from
the threat of mosquito bites at public park and recreation areas.
Emphasize educational efforts in areas of your community
where women and other citizens may traditionally have poor
access to health services, education and resources.
Depending on the needs of your community, ensure all published communications are reproduced in multiple languages.
This will help maximize the reach of your communication efforts and ensure the equitable access to safety information for
all residents.
Customize your communications for various demographics
based on risks factors. For example, create separate communications and prevention education pieces for women, families, the elderly and community groups.
Stimulate two-way dialogue with citizens. Education and regular communications are essential to a successful prevention
strategy, but so is listening to feedback and concerns from citizens and ensuring they have an avenue to ask questions of
their local government leaders.
Strengthen your efforts by aligning with national partners,
technical groups, professional networks and nationwide re-

searchers. Such partnerships will not only provide you with
access to the latest national and global data, recommendations and prevention techniques if an outbreak does occur in
your community, but will also give you immediate access to
national emergency response resources.
* Include in your communications a reminder that citizens who
have traveled to Zika-impacted areas should avoid mosquito
bites in your community during the first week upon return,
even if they are not exhibiting symptoms.
Most importantly, be consistent with your communications,
reminders and the availability of educational materials, not just
during the summer months, but all year long. Remind citizen
travelers to be vigilant about protecting themselves outside of
the country for the safety of their families and neighbors when
they return home. By incorporating Zika education into your
already robust park and recreation safety communications, the
risks and preventive measures associated with this virus will remain top of mind all year long - helping to minimize the risk
in your community.
Landon Schenck is the General Manager of CivicRec (schenck@civicplus.
com).

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June 2017 - Parks & Recreation

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