The 3 Keys Framework
ATSDR’s 3 Keys for Addressing Community Stress Related to Environmental Contamination is a framework for public health actions to reduce stress and build resilience in communities faced with environmental contamination.
Select each tab to learn more about the 3 Keys.
“Recognize” Primary Objective: Understand that all public health efforts become part of the community’s “secondary impact” experience.
Secondary Objectives:
- Legitimize the stress experience.
- Communicate risk effectively.
“Prepare” Primary Objective: Understand the unique ways in which chronic environmental contamination has impacted and continues to impact this community.
Secondary Objectives:
- Learn about the community and its needs before addressing stress.
- Build lasting relationships and interventions.
- Be aware of chronic stress, conflict, and retraumatization.
“Partner” Primary Objective: Engage with the community to assess needs and develop, implement, and maintain long-term interventions and resilience mechanisms.
Secondary Objectives:
- Work with community leaders and build community groups.
- Provide informal outreach and support settings.
