Examining Services Provided by a Japanese Organisation during and after the Boston Marathon Bombing

Abstract

A diverse society requires culturally and linguistically appropriate support for all populations, especially in emergencies, which warrants contribution from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)-specific organisations. JB Line, Inc., a local nonprofit organisation serving Japanese, provided online information and in-person support to those affected by the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013. Descriptive statistics of access to its social media combined with qualitative content analysis of its posts suggested CALD communities’ need for reliable and timely information in their native language, specifically regarding safety and mental health. Practical lessons for CALD-specific organisations included a need for cooperating with authoritative organisations, improving their visibility for wider distribution, and proactively reaching out to isolated populations.

Keywords:

• CALD community
• CALD-specific organisation
• emergency
• information distribution
• in-person support

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ayako Ichihara

Ayako Ichihara is a social worker at JB Line, Inc., Arlington, MA, USA. Correspondence to: Ayako Ichihara, JB Line, Inc., 180 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 303, Arlington, MA 02474, USA. Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]

Megumi Inoue

Megumi Inoue is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Social Work, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA. She also serves on the Board of Directors of JB Line, Inc.

Satoko Watanabe

Satoko Watanabe is the President of JB Line, Inc., Arlington, MA, USA.

Naoaki Ichihara

Naoaki Ichihara is a Research Fellow at Partners HealthCare and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.