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DPH Volunteer Training Day 2025 has ended



Tuesday, March 4
 

8:15am EST

Registration and Check-In LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 8:15am - 9:00am EST
Registration and a light breakfast.
Tuesday March 4, 2025 8:15am - 9:00am EST
Ballroom Room Number 200

9:00am EST

Welcome & Overview of MA Public Health Volunteer Programs LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EST
Opening remarks, explanation of MA public health volunteer programs.
Tuesday March 4, 2025 9:00am - 9:10am EST
Ballroom Room Number 200

9:10am EST

Plenary: Risk Communication and Resilience in Climate-Related Emergencies LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 9:10am - 10:10am EST
Join Chris Gloninger as he explores the critical role of risk communication in building resilience during climate-related emergencies. Drawing on real-world examples, Chris will discuss effective strategies for clear and transparent messaging amid uncertainty and skepticism, emphasizing the importance of tailoring communication to diverse audiences. This session will provide valuable insights into navigating the intersection of climate change, public health, and emergency preparedness, equipping volunteers with tools to support their communities in times of crisis.

Tuesday March 4, 2025 9:10am - 10:10am EST
Ballroom Room Number 200

10:10am EST

BREAK LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:10am - 10:20am EST
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:10am - 10:20am EST

10:20am EST

A1: Staying Healthy and Grounded in Today’s World: An Introduction to Transformational Resiliency
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Questions for Reflection:
• What do we do with the on-going challenges and cumulative stress that continue to impact our lives?
• Are there ways we can ‘not just survive’ what we are dealing with, but actually grow and become better versions of ourselves?
• Are there things we can do to better care for ourselves, our teams, and our households?

The goal of Transformational Resiliency istwo buckets’:
  1. Emotional resiliency – the quality of our personal life and work life
  2. Supporting those dealing with higher stress and trauma impacts in their lives
We will also be discussing the topics of Post Traumatic Growth, Self Care resistance, and Growing as a Resiliency Aware Agency.

In our work we can often be the ‘First to Respond, Last to Seek Help’.

Exposure to trauma is an occupational hazard for people who like to help others. It is essential to understand how you personally may be affected, how to practice your self-care, invest in your resiliency, and when to ask for help.
Speakers
CF

Chris Farrand

Chris Farrand is The Salvation Army's Eastern Territorial Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Training and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. He previously served for 15 years as the EDS Director in MA, CT, and RI where he managed EDS responses for the COVID pandemic, and deployed after... Read More →
FM

Fred Meade

Fred Meade has over a decade of experience teaching disaster-related courses across the country through the New York Disaster Interfaiths Network. His work focuses on stress management and resiliency, with training sessions tailored to faith-based organizations, FEMA, and VOADS in... Read More →
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Room 210

10:20am EST

A2: Liability and Other Legal Protections for Medical Reserve Corps Providers and Volunteers FILLING
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
This session will describe the federal, state, and local legal protections provided to Medical Reserve Corps providers and volunteers, including general liability protection standards, specific federal and state laws, possible local protections, specific protections for vaccination clinics, and protections in the form of emergency orders. This session will also address possible protections for providers and volunteers injured while providing volunteer services for a Medical Reserve Corps.

Speakers
CS

Cheryl Sbarra, JD

Cheryl Sbarra is the Executive Director and Senior Staff Attorney for the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB).  She provides technical assistance, policy guidance and legal education to the 351 local boards of health in Massachusetts. Sbarra assists them and other municipal... Read More →
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Room 311

10:20am EST

A3: Deep Dive: Climate Change, Public Health, and Emergency Preparedness LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
In this breakout session, Chris Gloninger will expand on the themes introduced in his plenary, taking a closer look at the impacts of climate change on public health and emergency preparedness. Drawing on his expertise as a meteorologist, Chris will discuss how shifting weather patterns and extreme climate events affect communities, volunteers, and response efforts. Participants will gain deeper insights into the science of climate change, strategies for building climate resilience, and practical approaches to addressing these challenges in their volunteer roles. This interactive session offers a unique opportunity to explore how climate science informs preparedness and response efforts.
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Ballroom Room Number 200

10:20am EST

A4: Bringing Health Equity in Emergency Preparedness Up to P.A.R. LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
This interactive workshop, led by Dr. Deion Hawkins, explores strategies to integrate health equity into emergency preparedness. Participants will engage with the P.A.R framework (privilege, access, and resources) and explore how it appears in emergency preparedness planning and response. We will also briefly discuss how to identify the most practical and effective actions through I.D.E.A. analysis (Interrogate Privilege, Dismantle Power, Educate/Empower, Address Resource Needs). By the end of the session, attendees will be able to identify one aspect of health equity in their role as a volunteer. As a note, this session intentionally emphasizes progression over perfection, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and compassion.
Speakers
DH

Deion Hawkins, PhD

Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Deion S. Hawkins, PhD currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Argumentation & Advocacy and Health & Social Change at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. As a critical health scholar, Deion remains committed to advancing equity and... Read More →
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Room 305

10:20am EST

A5: Leveraging Tools for Inclusive Emergency Preparedness: Emergency Preparedness Data Report Builder and the Show Me for Emergencies LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
This session will provide an introduction to two powerful tools for emergency preparedness: 
  • Emergency Preparedness Data Report Builder (EPDR): The EPDR builder is a curated set of data indicators, contextualized content, and resources to support health equity and enhance inclusive community planning activities.   The EPDR builder allows users to easily create and share custom reports as well as export data for advanced analysis. The report presents over 25 relevant data indicators including, electricity-dependent Medicare beneficiaries, language spoken at home, computer and internet access, and social vulnerability. When available, data are presented with demographic information. Users can view data by city/town, county, PHEP coalition, and HMCC region. MDPH staff will provide a live demonstration and practical strategies for integrating the EPDR builder into preparedness planning.  
  • Show Me for Emergencies App: Show Me for Emergencies is a free, research-based tool to aid communication between public health or emergency workers/volunteers and people who may experience difficulty hearing, speaking, or understanding things. It uses easy-to-understand icons for two-way communication during an emergency.   This versatile tool is designed to reduce communication barriers, ensuring equitable access to information and services during crises. MDPH staff will provide a live demonstration and practical strategies for utilizing the Show Me for Emergencies app during an emergency.  
Preparation Instructions: 
  1. EPDR Builder: While not required, attendees are encouraged to review the tool in advance at the Emergency Preparedness Data Report builder. 
  1. Show Me App: While not required, attendees are encouraged to download the recently updated Show Me for Emergencies app in advance from the App Store or Google Play Store using these direct links or by searching “Show Me for Emergencies” in those stores. Downloading ahead of time will allow participants to explore its features during the session. 
This session will equip attendees with practical strategies to make preparedness efforts more data-informed and inclusive. 


Speakers
TG

Tammy Goodhue

Emergency Informatics Manager, MA Dept. of Public Health (DPH) Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management (OPEM)
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Room 309/310

10:20am EST

A6: Public Health Emergency Management 101 for Volunteers LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
This training is designed for MRC and MVP volunteers to build a strong foundation in emergency preparedness and response. Led by MDPH staff, this session covers the emergency management cycle, volunteer roles in public health emergencies, and how to integrate into response frameworks like the Incident Command System (ICS).

This session is perfect for both new and experienced volunteers looking to deepen their understanding of emergency operations and public health response.

Key topics include:
  1. Unit 1: Introduction to Emergency Preparedness and Public Health Volunteer Programs within MDPH
  2. Unit 2: Key Concepts in Emergency Management
  3. Unit 3: Health Equity in Emergencies
  4. Unit 4: Role of MDPH and Volunteers in Emergencies
  5. Unit 5: Personal & Workspace Preparedness

Speakers
JB

Jessica Bowe

Emergency Response Volunteer Coordinator, MA Dept. of Public Health (DPH) Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management (OPEM)
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Room 313

10:20am EST

A7: Mass Care Sheltering Basics LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
This one hour interactive course provides a high-level introduction to basic shelter operations. This course was developed in collaboration with MEMA, MA Department of Public Health, DelValle Institute, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Western Region Homeland Security Council to provide a common vision and guiding principles to improve shelter coordination, support, and information sharing across the Commonwealth.

Main Topics Covered in this Course Include:
  1. Defining a Shelter
  2. Types of Shelters
  3. Roles and Responsibilities
  4. Operational Guidelines
Speakers
KF

Kevin Filchak

Local Coordinator, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Kevin Filchak is a Local Coordinator for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. He has been working in the emergency management field since 2013, beginning as a local Emergency Management Director in Connecticut, then for the Town of Sturbridge and now the Commonwealth. During... Read More →
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Room 209

10:20am EST

A8: Learn More About Voluntary Organizations Active (VOAD) in Disaster and Recovery Resource Centers (RRCs) & How MRC Can Assist! LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) is an association of non-profit and faith-based organizations that work together to mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.
One example of how the MA VOAD supports survivors after a disaster is through Recovery Resource Centers. A Recovery Resource Center (RRC) is a single, “one stop shop” location where public and private organizations come together to assist disaster survivors. The specific types of assistance and services that can be coordinated by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at a RRC will be determined by collaboration among MEMA, local officials, participating local and state agencies, voluntary community organizations, businesses, academic institutions and local charities, according to the needs of the impacted community and available resources.
Learn more about VOAD and RRCs and how local organizations such as MRCs can assist.
Speakers
JB

Jamie Barry

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Room 216

10:20am EST

A9: Introduction to American Red Cross Disaster Services LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
The American Red Cross (ARC) and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) frequently work together during disaster response efforts, especially in shelters and community relief operations. This session, presented by ARC staff, will provide an overview of Red Cross Disaster Services, including the key programs, volunteer roles, and ways MRC members can get involved.
Attendees will gain insights into how Red Cross volunteers are deployed during disasters, the types of support they provide, and how MRC volunteers may potentially train, partner, and respond alongside the Red Cross in future activations. This is a great opportunity to learn more about ARC’s structure, explore pathways for engagement, and strengthen coordination between our volunteer networks for future disaster response efforts.

Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am EST
Room 215

10:20am EST

MA Responds Support - Drop in LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 2:30pm EST
Johnna Coggin, MA Responds support staff, will be available to answer questions and assist with accessing the MA Responds volunteer database and/or updating your volunteer profile. There will also be the opportunity to submit a CORI Request form and get your picture taken for your badge and profile. Please stop by to this informal drop-in session anytime during a break or lunch!
Speakers
JC

Johnna Coggin

Senior Preparedness Programs Manager, MMS
Tuesday March 4, 2025 10:20am - 2:30pm EST
Room 312/Computer Lab

11:20am EST

BREAK
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:20am - 11:30am EST
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:20am - 11:30am EST

11:30am EST

B1: Liability and Other Legal Protections for Medical Reserve Corps Providers and Volunteers
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
This session will describe the federal, state, and local legal protections provided to Medical Reserve Corps providers and volunteers, including general liability protection standards, specific federal and state laws, possible local protections, specific protections for vaccination clinics, and protections in the form of emergency orders. This session will also address possible protections for providers and volunteers injured while providing volunteer services for a Medical Reserve Corps.

Speakers
CS

Cheryl Sbarra, JD

Cheryl Sbarra is the Executive Director and Senior Staff Attorney for the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards (MAHB).  She provides technical assistance, policy guidance and legal education to the 351 local boards of health in Massachusetts. Sbarra assists them and other municipal... Read More →
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
Room 311

11:30am EST

B2: Bringing Health Equity in Emergency Preparedness Up to P.A.R. FILLING
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
This interactive workshop, led by Dr. Deion Hawkins, explores strategies to integrate health equity into emergency preparedness. Participants will engage with the P.A.R framework (privilege, access, and resources) and explore how it appears in emergency preparedness planning and response. We will also briefly discuss how to identify the most practical and effective actions through I.D.E.A. analysis (Interrogate Privilege, Dismantle Power, Educate/Empower, Address Resource Needs). By the end of the session, attendees will be able to identify one aspect of health equity in their role as a volunteer. As a note, this session intentionally emphasizes progression over perfection, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and compassion.
Speakers
DH

Deion Hawkins, PhD

Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Deion S. Hawkins, PhD currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Argumentation & Advocacy and Health & Social Change at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts. As a critical health scholar, Deion remains committed to advancing equity and... Read More →
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
Room 305

11:30am EST

B3: Real World Deployments & The Importance of Training: An MRC Panel Discussion FILLING
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
Join the MA MRC Statewide Coordinator along with unit leaders and volunteers from two MRCs who will be highlighting the great work of units across Massachusetts. This session will provide examples of real-world volunteer deployments from the perspective of both the coordinator and the volunteer. It will highlight the importance of training prior to deployment, as well as offer insight into the volunteer experience, training and coordination gaps that were identified, and general lessons learned. Consider attending if you wish to learn more about how local MRC units are supporting their communities across the state.
Speakers
NB

Nancy Burns

MRC Unit Leader
LJ

Liisa Jackson

MRC Unit Leader
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
Room 309/310

11:30am EST

B4: Public Health Emergency Management 101 for Volunteers LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
This training is designed for MRC and MVP volunteers to build a strong foundation in emergency preparedness and response. Led by MDPH staff, this session covers the emergency management cycle, volunteer roles in public health emergencies, and how to integrate into response frameworks like the Incident Command System (ICS).

This session is perfect for both new and experienced volunteers looking to deepen their understanding of emergency operations and public health response.

Key topics include:
  1. Unit 1: Introduction to Emergency Preparedness and Public Health Volunteer Programs within MDPH
  2. Unit 2: Key Concepts in Emergency Management
  3. Unit 3: Health Equity in Emergencies
  4. Unit 4: Role of MDPH and Volunteers in Emergencies
  5. Unit 5: Personal & Workspace Preparedness

Speakers
JB

Jessica Bowe

Emergency Response Volunteer Coordinator, MA Dept. of Public Health (DPH) Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management (OPEM)
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
Room 313

11:30am EST

B5: Mass Care Sheltering Basics LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
This one hour interactive course provides a high-level introduction to basic shelter operations. This course was developed in collaboration with MEMA, MA Department of Public Health, DelValle Institute, American Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the Western Region Homeland Security Council to provide a common vision and guiding principles to improve shelter coordination, support, and information sharing across the Commonwealth.

Main Topics Covered in this Course Include:
  1. Defining a Shelter
  2. Types of Shelters
  3. Roles and Responsibilities
  4. Operational Guidelines


Speakers
KF

Kevin Filchak

Local Coordinator, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
Kevin Filchak is a Local Coordinator for the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. He has been working in the emergency management field since 2013, beginning as a local Emergency Management Director in Connecticut, then for the Town of Sturbridge and now the Commonwealth. During... Read More →
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
Room 209

11:30am EST

B6: Introduction to American Red Cross Disaster Services LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
The American Red Cross (ARC) and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) frequently work together during disaster response efforts, especially in shelters and community relief operations. This session, presented by ARC staff, will provide an overview of Red Cross Disaster Services, including the key programs, volunteer roles, and ways MRC members can get involved.
Attendees will gain insights into how Red Cross volunteers are deployed during disasters, the types of support they provide, and how MRC volunteers may potentially train, partner, and respond alongside the Red Cross in future activations. This is a great opportunity to learn more about ARC’s structure, explore pathways for engagement, and strengthen coordination between our volunteer networks for future disaster response efforts.

Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 12:30pm EST
Room 215

11:30am EST

M1: Psychological First Aid Introduction LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 2:30pm EST
Psychological First Aid (PFA), the gold standard of disaster responses, is a process for helping people cope after experiencing a traumatic event or natural disaster. Endorsed by the World Health Organization and the U.S. government, the goal of PFA is to provide safety, stability, and resources to those affected by offering them hope and helping them reconnect with their support systems.

Presented by Riverside Trauma Center experts, this comprehensive and highly interactive program prepares attendees to deliver PFA to affected individuals and communities.

In this shortened version, attendees will learn:
  1. Trauma and the Human Stress Response, and how it affects the choice of interventions with distressed individuals;
  2. Understanding Grief and Loss, including models of, cultural variations in, and age-based patterns of grief; and
  3.  The evolution of and introduction to disaster response, as well as the 8 core functions of Psychological First Aid

There will be a break from 12:30 to 1:30 for lunch and networking.
Tuesday March 4, 2025 11:30am - 2:30pm EST
Ballroom Room Number 200

12:30pm EST

Lunch and Networking LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EST
Tuesday March 4, 2025 12:30pm - 1:15pm EST
Ballroom Room Number 200

1:30pm EST

C1: Staying Healthy and Grounded in Today’s World: An Introduction to Transformational Resiliency FILLING
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Questions for Reflection:
• What do we do with the on-going challenges and cumulative stress that continue to impact our lives?
• Are there ways we can ‘not just survive’ what we are dealing with, but actually grow and become better versions of ourselves?
• Are there things we can do to better care for ourselves, our teams, and our households?

The goal of Transformational Resiliency istwo buckets’:
  1. Emotional resiliency – the quality of our personal life and work life
  2. Supporting those dealing with higher stress and trauma impacts in their lives
We will also be discussing the topics of Post Traumatic Growth, Self Care resistance, and Growing as a Resiliency Aware Agency.

In our work we can often be the ‘First to Respond, Last to Seek Help’.

Exposure to trauma is an occupational hazard for people who like to help others. It is essential to understand how you personally may be affected, how to practice your self-care, invest in your resiliency, and when to ask for help.
Speakers
CF

Chris Farrand

Chris Farrand is The Salvation Army's Eastern Territorial Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Training and Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. He previously served for 15 years as the EDS Director in MA, CT, and RI where he managed EDS responses for the COVID pandemic, and deployed after... Read More →
FM

Fred Meade

Fred Meade has over a decade of experience teaching disaster-related courses across the country through the New York Disaster Interfaiths Network. His work focuses on stress management and resiliency, with training sessions tailored to faith-based organizations, FEMA, and VOADS in... Read More →
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 313

1:30pm EST

C2: Learn More About Voluntary Organizations Active (VOAD) in Disaster and Recovery Resource Centers (RRCs) & How MRC Can Assist! FILLING
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) is an association of non-profit and faith-based organizations that work together to mitigate and alleviate the impact of disasters, provides a forum promoting cooperation, communication, coordination and collaboration; and fosters more effective delivery of services to communities affected by disaster.  
One example of how the MA VOAD supports survivors after a disaster is through Recovery Resource Centers. A Recovery Resource Center (RRC) is a single, “one stop shop” location where public and private organizations come together to assist disaster survivors. The specific types of assistance and services that can be coordinated by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) at a RRC will be determined by collaboration among MEMA, local officials, participating local and state agencies, voluntary community organizations, businesses, academic institutions and local charities, according to the needs of the impacted community and available resources.
Learn more about VOAD and RRCs and how local organizations such as MRCs can assist.
Speakers
JB

Jamie Barry

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 311

1:30pm EST

C3: Leveraging Tools for Inclusive Emergency Preparedness: Emergency Preparedness Data Report Builder and the Show Me for Emergencies Application LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
This session will provide an introduction to two powerful tools for emergency preparedness: 
  • Emergency Preparedness Data Report Builder (EPDR): The EPDR builder is a curated set of data indicators, contextualized content, and resources to support health equity and enhance inclusive community planning activities.   The EPDR builder allows users to easily create and share custom reports as well as export data for advanced analysis. The report presents over 25 relevant data indicators including, electricity-dependent Medicare beneficiaries, language spoken at home, computer and internet access, and social vulnerability. When available, data are presented with demographic information. Users can view data by city/town, county, PHEP coalition, and HMCC region. MDPH staff will provide a live demonstration and practical strategies for integrating the EPDR builder into preparedness planning.  
  • Show Me for Emergencies App: Show Me for Emergencies is a free, research-based tool to aid communication between public health or emergency workers/volunteers and people who may experience difficulty hearing, speaking, or understanding things. It uses easy-to-understand icons for two-way communication during an emergency.   This versatile tool is designed to reduce communication barriers, ensuring equitable access to information and services during crises. MDPH staff will provide a live demonstration and practical strategies for utilizing the Show Me for Emergencies app during an emergency.  
Preparation Instructions: 
  1. EPDR Builder: While not required, attendees are encouraged to review the tool in advance at the Emergency Preparedness Data Report builder. 
  1. Show Me App: While not required, attendees are encouraged to download the recently updated Show Me for Emergencies app in advance from the App Store  or Google Play Store  using these direct links or by searching “Show Me for Emergencies” in those stores. Downloading ahead of time will allow participants to explore its features during the session. 
This session will equip attendees with practical strategies to make preparedness efforts more data-informed and inclusive. 


Speakers
TG

Tammy Goodhue

Emergency Informatics Manager, MA Dept. of Public Health (DPH) Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management (OPEM)
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 309/310

1:30pm EST

C4: Introduction to HSEEP, Integrated Preparedness Plans (IPP), and Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshops (IPPWs) for MRC Unit Leaders LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
This session is tailored for MRC Unit Leaders aiming to enhance their skills in planning, evaluating, and improving emergency preparedness programs. Participants will receive an overview of the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) and learn how to develop an Integrated Preparedness Plan (IPP), formerly known as the Multi-Year Training and Exercise Plan (MYTEP).  
The session will also cover Integrated Preparedness Planning Workshops (IPPWs), which are key tools for identifying priorities, aligning resources, and building a roadmap for preparedness activities. Additionally, Regina Villa Associates-staff will preview the Statewide MRC Training Plan that is in development. Attendees will leave with practical strategies to enhance their unit’s readiness and long-term planning efforts.
Speakers
RC

Regan Checchio

Regina Villa Associates
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 216

1:30pm EST

C5: Disaster Gap: The Most Important Interval You've Never Heard Of FULL
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
In the moments after a disaster, the experience prior to the arrival of First Responders is uncharted time. In this Disaster Gap, both trained and untrained Spontaneous Responders step up and do their best amidst an unstable scene and at their own personal risk. This interval has the potential to save lives and yet it is not taught in our first aid classes, not evaluated, and not optimized. Neither first responder nor bystander, spontaneous responders in the Disaster Gap have the power to save lives, improve preparedness, and foster resiliency and recovery.
This lecture will differentiate spontaneous responders from both bystanders and First Responders. It will serve as a call to action to change the way we teach about disasters and propose adding a Gap Report to After Action Reports.

Objectives:
1. Discuss the significance of the gap between the moment of an incident and the arrival of dispatched First Responders.
2. Describe the meaning of the term disaster gap as it relates to major emergency events.
3. Evaluate your own personal level of preparedness should you find yourself in the Disaster Gap and list 2-3 three actionable steps that you could implement.
Speakers
CH

Christina Hernon, MD

Emergency Medicine & Medical Toxicology
Tuesday March 4, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm EST
Room 209

2:35pm EST

Wrap-up, Evaluations and Closing Remarks LIMITED
Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:35pm - 2:45pm EST
Opening remarks, explanation of MA public health volunteer programs.
Tuesday March 4, 2025 2:35pm - 2:45pm EST
Ballroom Room Number 200
 
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