Navigating risk and protective factors in disaster resilience through government-community partnerships

This research examines government-community service partnerships in disaster resilience through the lens of risk and protective factors. Using qualitative data from 143 local government officials across six southeastern states, this study analyzes how collaboration between local government and community services and groups influences community resilience capacity. The research employs an integrated theoretical framework combining ecological systems theory, person-in-environment perspective, and strengths-based approaches to understand inter-professional cooperative patterns. Research analysis revealed significant protective and risk factors that impact community resilience post-disaster. The three primary protective factors were information, collaboration, and service coordination, while the key risk factors for undermining resilience were service deserts, inadequate mental health response capacity, and turnover/personnel capacity issues. Findings indicate that disaster preparedness and recovery effectiveness stem from integrated communication efforts, trust-based collaborations, and coordinated service provision across sectors. The study contributes to interprofessional disaster work by demonstrating that resilient communities require continuous investment in strong relationships, structural coordination, and policy frameworks that serve acute crisis needs as well as long-term recovery and capacity development. Furthermore, it reveals that effective disaster resilience depends on systematic integration of communication networks, trust-based partnerships, and coordinated service delivery across sectors rather than individual organizational strengths alone. These findings contribute to both practice and policy by emphasizing the interdependence of government services, healthcare systems, and community organizations in creating comprehensive safety nets capable of supporting communities through acute disasters and ongoing recovery processes.