"World Heath Care Congress Affordable Health Innovations Exhibit and Awards" 7th Annual World Health Care Congress 2010

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This poster builds on one first presented in 2009 and expands the research and proposed solution. The first poster was based upon a personal case study which caused local rural residents to be exposed to e-coli contaminated drinking water. Due to a breakdown in communicating a “Boil Water” advisory, many residents did not become aware of the contamination until days after the problem was discovered. While the situation was corrected, the lack of effective communication caused frustration, confusion of possible e-coli disease when similar symptoms occurred and concerns about future water sustainability. Vulnerable populations in particular (those with compromised immune function, chronic illnesses and/or infectious disease, infants, children and the elderly) typically warrant more concern for exposure to bacteria than healthy adults. The first poster suggested the use of an emergency notification system using mobile devices (cell phones or smart phones) to be used to communicate such a problem, including instructions for boiling water effectively, and additional safeguards. Based upon additional research and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, Global Issues in water, sanitation, and health. (IOM. 2009. Washington, DC; The National Academies Press) it is obvious that many rural areas of the United States suffer from an aging infrastructure that positions residents to endure continued water contamination. This poster examines the magnitude of this problem and further researches the feasibility of using mobile emergency notification systems to keep residents informed of the health risks when water contamination occurs. Based upon the expense of replacing our nation’s water infrastructure, the world-wide drinking water shortage and the incidence of disease in countries which have contaminated water, it is clear that residents should be informed and take precautions until the infrastructure improves.

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