The 3 Keys Framework

About

  • This is a public health framework.
  • The "3 keys" of this framework are meant to guide public health actions.
  • These public health actions should reduce stress and build resilience in communities faced with environmental contamination.
3 keys on a key ring

How to use

The 3 Keys Framework suggests an iterative process to reduce community stress and psychosocial issues and build resilience. Communities have different practical, informational, social, and emotional needs and assets. It is a part of public health responses to environmental contamination. It is not a specific intervention.

  • The three main objectives build in intensity and complexity. Recognize is the most basic way to help a community deal with psychosocial issues in the face of contamination. Partner is a more demanding, long-term process.
  • Each of these objectives can be addressed independently, but they function best when employed together.
  • The 3 Keys should be adapted to meet the needs and goals of a community in its unique situation.

Full Report: 3 Keys for Addressing Community Stress in Environmental Contamination

Main objectives

The 3 main objectives are Recognize, Prepare, and Partner.

Primary objective: Understand that all public health efforts become part of the community's "secondary impact" experience.

Secondary objectives

  1. Legitimize the stress experience.
  2. Communicate risk effectively.

Primary objective: Understand the unique ways in which chronic environmental contamination has impacted and continues to impact this community.

Secondary objectives

  1. Learn about the community and its needs before addressing stress.
  2. Build lasting relationships and interventions.
  3. Be aware of chronic stress, conflict, and retraumatization.

Primary objective: Engage with the community to assess needs and develop, implement, and maintain long-term interventions and resilience mechanisms.

Secondary objectives

  1. Work with community leaders and build community groups.
  2. Provide informal outreach and support settings.