Jurisdictional Risk Assessment (JRA) Review (60 points; 15%)

You will prepare a 3-page memo based upon a critical review of a state or local JRA. Every 5 years and as a condition of federal public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) funding to states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires a JRA whose ultimate purpose is to improve decisions and actions for preparedness and response. Among top JRA objectives are identifying and ranking hazards of concern; characterizing the potential impacts of those hazards upon peoples health and on medical, public health and mental/behavioral health systems; and outlining steps to be ready for and to mitigate those impacts. If you have trouble locating a JRA to review, you may select one of the following. (due Feb 11, 11:59 pm)

Your memo should address the following questions:

What process did the jurisdiction employ to develop the JRA?

Which stakeholders weighed in on the JRA content?

Which priority threats has the jurisdiction identified?

What impacts is the jurisdiction most concerned about?

To what extent is the JRA forward-looking (e.g., does it account for a dynamic/volatile climate)?

What concrete steps is the jurisdiction taking to reduce its risks?

Is there consideration for the needs of vulnerable, at-risk, and/or underserved populations?

What strengths and weaknesses do you see in the JRA e.g., how useful is the assessment?

What new insights do you have as a result of critically reviewing the JRA?