Funded Projects

A L.A.U.N.C.H. Initiative: Protecting Dania Beach

Project Year

2024

City & State

Dania Beach, Florida

Program Name

CATCH Resident

Topic

Health Literacy

Program Description

According to the Dania Beach City Commission, flooding is the most significant natural hazard, and the community is at high risk due to substantial rainfall and low topography. There are several areas in Dania Beach that are prone to flooding from heavy rain. Floods occur within minutes in some areas; whereas, in others, they develop slowly.   According to Flood Risk Factor, which takes into consideration the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) flood mapping, it estimates that there are 3,264 properties in Dania Beach that have greater than a 26% chance of being severely affected by flooding over the next 30 years. This represents 64% of all properties in Dania Beach. This is quite a significant number.   Flooding significantly increases the risk of waterborne illness outbreaks. Understanding the potential threats and implementing public health interventions for safe water access, sanitation, and hygiene practices are crucial to mitigate the impact of flooding on health. According to Yavarian J et al, the risk of viral diseases and outbreaks after a flood has occurred is a vital health issue, especially as it relates to the aftermath of the event.  Floods can increase the transmission of waterborne infections, such as diarrheal diseases (hepatitis A and E), air-borne and vector-borne diseases such as yellow fever, west Nile fever, and dengue fever.  According to the US Census 2022, Dania Beach has 33,000 residents. Of those, 57% are White, 27% are Black, 23% are Hispanic, and 44% speak a language other than English at home. Of those, 19.3% live in poverty, and 20.4% do not have health insurance. Of the 6000 children under the age of 18, 33%  live below the poverty line. This suggests that almost a third of the children of Dania Beach will be affected if there are disease outbreaks after flooding. This would possibly result in missed days at school, primary and urgent care visits, increased hospitalizations, disruption of parental employment (further worsening poverty status), and an overall decrease in the child’s wellbeing.   Located in the heart of Dania Beach, the C.W Thomas Park Community Center coordinates an after-school program. This center will act as the main location for the project. We plan to implement a series of waterborne illness awareness workshops placing much emphasis on the months of June through November, which is the highest period of heavy rainfall.   Our goal will be to engage the children in fun and interactive lessons so they will have the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from flood related health risks, all while fostering community resilience and environmental stewardship. We will conduct monthly workshops focused on two main categories: Healthcare-focused flood education and active health and hygiene promotion. We will integrate guest speakers including other healthcare professionals and emergency responders who will share real-life experiences and preparedness tips. At the end of our 12 month project, students (grouped by age) will participate in a poetry/prose competition to showcase what they have learned over the past year. Prizes will be awarded by the previous team of local emergency responders and providers who will serve as judges. This project will increase waterborne illness awareness and preparedness as a result of flooding events for the children residing in Dania Beach.  

Project Goal

To increase health literacy among Dania Beach elementary school students by giving them the knowledge and skills to protect themselves from flood-related health risks while fostering community resilience and environmental stewardship.

Project Objective 1

To provide age-appropriate educational sessions addressing flooding and its health-related consequences.

Project Objective 2

To provide age-appropriate educational sessions addressing adequate preparedness and formulating specific family plans.

Project Objective 3

To have a competition at the CW Community Center showcasing all that was learned over the 12-month period. 

AAP District

District X

Institutional Name

CW Thomas Park Community Center

Contact 1

Ramiro Cardenas, MD