VOLUNTEERS BUILDING STRONG, HEALTHY, AND PREPARED COMMUNITIES

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3 ■ SUMMER 2014 MRC IN FOCUS VOLUNTEERS BUILDING STRONG, HEALTHY, AND PREPARED COMMUNITIES Ashland County-City MRC Responds to Large...
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VOLUME 8, ISSUE 3 ■ SUMMER 2014

MRC IN FOCUS VOLUNTEERS BUILDING STRONG, HEALTHY, AND PREPARED COMMUNITIES

Ashland County-City MRC Responds to Largest Measles Outbreak in 20 Years 2014 marks a 20-year high in measles cases, with 566 cases reported as of July 11. In the United States, Ohio and California have seen the largest numbers of cases, with a majority linked to travel to the Philippines. In Ohio, the largest outbreak occurred near Knox County and contiguous counties, where travelers returning from a mission trip spread measles to unvaccinated members of the community. The Ohio measles outbreak expanded into a nine county area in central and north central Ohio. Due to the large caseload, the Ashland County-City Health Department requested assistance from their MRC unit and all MRC units in Ohio Homeland Security North East Central Ohio Region 5 to augment services provided by the nursing division. Since their activation on April 24, 14 Ashland County-City MRC volunteers have responded. Volunteers have played a variety of roles, including helping to register clients, setting up clinics, greeting visitors, providing health education, and modeling how to wear personal protective equipment to those who had arrived to get vaccinated at a clinic after being exposed.

Volunteers at registration

In the lengthy response to the measles outbreak, a number of challenges occurred. Most notably, prior to the outbreak, there were some difficulties in getting medical personnel integrated into working in the health department nursing division clinic. Although the health department nursing division was short half of the nurses from the six that are usually available, the remaining health department nurses were accommodating and helped to train MRC-registered nurses in giving vaccines. Additionally, the health department faced challenges identifying the credentials of medical professionals from other MRC units and had difficulties in identifying the skills of volunteers without first interviewing them. Also, there were a significant number of nurses who have not given a vaccine in a long time, but the health department nurses were quick to educate. Thanks to quick response and dedication of MRC volunteers, Ashland County-City Health Department has been able to augment their capacity during the measles response.

Volunteers prepare vaccinations

WHAT’S INSIDE:

2......Seacoast MRC Assists in Aftermath of Active Shooter Incident 3......Coconino County MRC Responds to the Slide Fire 4......Lowcountry MRC Educates Community about Hurricane Preparedness 5......North Dakota Public Health Emergency Volunteer MRC Practices Plans for Hospital Patient Surge 6......Tulalip Tribes MRC Dedicates New Healthy Walking Trail 7......Pettis County MRC Promotes Emergency Preparedness for Developmentally and Physically Disabled Individuals

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SUMMER 2014

National Notes Dear Colleagues, The DCVMRC recently attended the launch of the National Strategy for Youth Preparedness Education, developed jointly by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Department of Education and the American Red Cross, and I encourage all of you to review this interesting document at http://1.usa.gov/1lcegxy. The strategy lays out a clear vision, outlines nine CAPT Rob Tosatto, Director Division of the Civilian Volunteer priority steps, and explains why we should focus on Medical Reserve Corps youth. For example, they describe three essential benefits that arise from youth preparedness efforts: 1) Empowered youth can help engage their families, their peers, and their communities in disaster readiness; 2) Youth are empowered through understanding of risks and knowing protective actions; and 3) Today's prepared children are tomorrow's prepared adults. Many of you know that I have encouraged youth engagement with the MRC for several years - and many of you have listened! Currently, over 20 percent of MRC units report that they allow teens to serve as MRC members. And many other MRC units partner with youth organizations to encourage their participation in local health and preparedness activities. Some communities have even created junior or youth-specific MRC units. Involving youth is really a “win-win” situation, as the youth gains knowledge, skills, and experience (which can help as they pursue further education and jobs); the MRC unit gains energetic and enthusiastic members/partners

who are willing to assist and who can bring a unique perspective; and the community gains more individuals who are committed to improving health, reducing vulnerability, building resilience, preparing for emergencies, and responding when necessary. At the national level, DCVMRC has worked closely with HOSA-Future Health Professionals for many years. For example, we have hosted HOSA interns in the Office of the Surgeon General to allow them a glimpse into the higher level workings of the MRC and a number of other offices within the Department of Health and Human Services. We have also participated at HOSA-convened meetings, including their annual National Leadership Conference. I was honored to judge their “MRC Partnership” competition again this year, and was pleased to see the level of effort, poise and leadership demonstrated by the 24 teams (and almost 100 HOSA members). In our pledge regarding the National Strategy, we affirmed that we would strive to meet several of the priority steps. Thus we are committed to continuing our work with HOSA, and developing new partnerships with other youth-related organizations such as 4-H. I strongly encourage you to develop these relationships in your communities as well. There are many youth in your communities who are motivated to make a difference in the world, and your engagement helps them to gain experience in public health and preparedness, and also contribute to the current and future resilience of your community. Through the information you enter into the MRC Unit Activity Reporting System, DCVMRC will ensure your efforts and progress are included in the National Strategy’s annual reports, which will heighten awareness of the MRC network’s contribution to the nation’s commitment to youth preparedness. Warmest regards,

Seacoast MRC Assists in Aftermath of Active Shooter Incident On May 12, the Seacoast MRC (NH) responded to an active shooter incident in East Rockingham County. The emergency operations center in Brentwood, NH sent out a request to open a shelter for residents of the evacuated community in case they needed a place to stay. Six Seacoast MRC volunteers responded immediately to the request to assist at the shelter, arriving within an hour and a half of the call. Volunteers staffed the shelter for nearly four hours.

Seacoast MRC volunteers

A police officer was called to a residence in response to a dispute and was fatally shot in the chest. The perpetrator was actively shooting and setting fires within the home and it exploded. In response to this incident, the neighborhood was designated as a crime scene and was evacuated.

Additionally, four Seacoast MRC volunteers assisted with the memorial service for the fallen officer 11 days later. Volunteers worked as support staff, setting up tables, providing water and snacks, collecting trash, and directing traffic at the service, where 3,000 attendees gathered to honor the officer.

SUMMER 2014

Coconino County MRC Responds to the Slide Fire On May 20, a fire was reported north of Slide Rock state park in Sedona, AZ. With 300 structures threatened by the fire, Sedona Fire and the Coconino County Sherriff’s department began to issue mandatory evacuations that night, affecting hundreds of people. To open shelters for residents and animals, Coconino County Emergency Management and Public Health Emergency Preparedness coordinated with the American Red Cross, Coconino County Humane Society, and the local Olsens’ Grain and Feed. By the next morning, the fire was estimated to have burned nearly 1,200 acres. The American Red Cross and the local Community Emergency Response Team requested assistance from the Coconino County MRC to support a shelter for approximately 250 people displaced by the fire. Eleven MRC volunteers responded, performing a variety of tasks over the ten days the shelter was open. Seven registered nurses filled the role of shelter nurses for multiple shifts, donating 92 hours of service, and two nonmedical volunteers assisted with general needs and tasks for the shelter manager, donating 90 hours of service. Additionally, two volunteers donated 54 hours working in a call center to address questions from the community.

The fire was contained on June 4 after burning over 21,000 acres. The Slide Fire was the largest fire in Coconino County history, and the nine-day emergency operations center activation was the longest for the county in recent memory. As the community recovers from the Slide Fire, the MRC will continue to assist by filling sandbags for those in the area who now face extreme flooding risks during the upcoming monsoon season. Additionally, volunteers will staff an advisory checkpoint for visitors entering Oak Creek Canyon from Flagstaff during a National Weather Service Flash Flood Watch to hand out informational material about the risks and emergency notifications that will happen if a flash flood warning is issued.

Response to the fire

NACCHO Resources Ready for Launch in September: The New MRC Connect Application! In September, NACCHO will officially launch MRC Connect, the new web and mobile-based application for the MRC! MRC Connect is the only application created specifically for the needs of MRC unit leaders. It includes two major components: first, select communities for various discussions, including regional, event, and issuebased topics; and second, tasks to share best practices and activity highlights, with the ability to earn points for task completion. In July, 50 unit leaders pilot tested MRC Connect to try out the system and discover the best uses of MRC Connect for their unit. Pilot testers found MRC Connect easy to use and helpful to keep in touch with the MRC network. “Overall I thought the system was excellent,” said Kara Marsh, Macomb County Health Department MRC (MI) volunteer coordinator.

MRC Connect includes a website and an optional mobile version available for download on smartphones, and the application will be available to all MRC unit leaders upon launch in September. Stay tuned for more information from NACCHO about the launch of MRC Connect and how you can access the application.

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Lowcountry MRC Educates Community about Hurricane Preparedness The Lowcountry MRC (SC) has engaged in community hurricane preparedness education events to help residents prepare for the area’s risk of hurricanes. Thanks to a relationship that their housing organization, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Lowcountry Region, has with the Medical University of South Carolina, the Lowcountry MRC has participated in annual Hurricane Awareness days with the university. The relationship began in 2009 when the Medical University of South Carolina extended an invitation to DHEC to participate in Hurricane Awareness Day and DHEC invited the MRC to attend also. Since the first Hurricane Awareness day, the MRC has participated annually, making 2014 their sixth year in attendance.

In addition to the Hurricane Awareness day, this year seven MRC volunteers have participated in three Hurricane Preparedness expos sponsored by the Community Emergency Response Team. These events are held at Lowe’s and Walmart stores to reach local residents. At these events, MRC volunteers speak to community members about emergency preparedness, distribute emergency food supply shopping lists, and host children’s preparedness games from Ready.gov, including “Build Your Kit” and “Hidden Treasures.” These expos provide a valuable opportunity for volunteers to speak to residents about the role of the MRC, upcoming volunteer opportunities, and all-hazards preparedness, in addition to hurricane preparedness.

Lowcountry MRC volunteers at a Hurricane Expo

MRC-TRAIN Finding Courses that Build MRC Core Competencies on MRC-TRAIN Did you know that courses on MRC-TRAIN (www.mrc.train.org) can be searched by the MRC Core Competencies? With limited time and resources, encouraging volunteers to complete competency-based training remains vital to a more prepared, resilient volunteer corps. MRC-TRAIN is designed to help unit leaders build their volunteer and overall unit competency base. Volunteers looking for applicable training can search courses specifically by MRC Core Competency by using the “By Competency/Capability” option found under the Advanced Search link. Unit leaders can direct volunteers to courses that meet competencies the volunteer could build upon. Additionally, units who post their trainings to MRC-TRAIN (such as unit orientations or personal preparedness workshops) can also identify the

competencies those trainings build, formalizing the complete training experience of volunteers on one, competency-focused transcript. By centralizing MRC Core Competency-based training records in one location on MRC-Train, units can then report where there may be gaps and work towards bridging knowledge in those areas. A resources guide on finding and completing courses is available at http://bit.ly/1qYziDZ. Remember, the MRCTRAIN Support Desk ([email protected]) is available to provide assistance and field questions, including posting trainings, finding courses, and much else. MRCTRAIN is FREE (including continuing education), available 24/7, and on track!

SUMMER 2014

North Dakota Public Health Emergency Volunteer MRC Practices Plans for Hospital Patient Surge On April 11, the North Dakota Public Health Emergency Volunteer MRC (PHEVR/MRC) participated in an exercise to practice plans for a hospital patient surge situation.

Exercise participants practice transportation of victims

The event was organized as a joint effort among Sanford Healthcare, Essentia Hosptial of Fargo, and FM Ambulance in Fargo. The North Dakota Department of Health, through the PHEVR/MRC program, provided volunteer resources and credentialing checks. The scenario involved a tornado that swept through a West Fargo neighborhood, resulting in 68 patients who needed transport by ambulance to nearby Sanford and Essentia healthcare systems. MRC volunteers were used as victims to test hospital preparedness and the ability to handle a surge in patients. At least eight medical volunteers assisted in transportation and triage as would likely be the case in an actual emergency. Sanford Healthcare had approximately 60 staff actively involved in the process between Incident Command, Emergency Room, Operating Room, Radiology, Supply Chain, Registration, and evaluators to simulate the real-world emergency. Essentia Hospital reported that nearly 140 staff members exercised, and 15 staff were used by FM Ambulance were involved in the transport of patients to both hospitals.

Following the exercise, PHEVR/MRC volunteers noted that they appreciated the opportunity to serve their community in a way outside of an actual emergency situation or routine activities. The volunteers experienced some of the same chaos and stressful situations that would be part of a real event as well. In the course of supporting this exercise from an administrative angle, staff discovered forms and documentation in need of updating, which they were able to complete and use in time for this exercise. “Exercises like these are a great opportunity to engage volunteers in their communities, and it really helps the emergency services to test their plans and coordinate their actions with entities outside their own,” said Marie Ricketts, PHEVR/MRC Coordinator. “The PHEVR/MRC program is expanding, and we hope to have more opportunities to work with our emergency partners for a more prepared North Dakota.”

A “victim” gets transported via ambulance

Volunteer Spotlight Frances Becker has been a volunteer with the Kauai MRC (HI) since 2007 and is the Finance/Administrative Officer for the Kauai MRC Leadership Team. Since joining the Kauai MRC, Frances has participated in nearly every event, and has also played a central role in Frances Becker establishing and maintaining the Kauai Junior MRC. Through the Junior MRC, high school students can connect with opportunities to define and attain their educational and professional goals. Frances’ efforts to raise awareness of Hawaii’s acute shortage of health practitioners, coupled with her ability to nurture young talent, are encouraging more of Kauai’s youth to pursue careers in health and wellness fields. Her accomplishments as a mentor will

also help to offset Hawaii’s growing problem of demand for health care services exceeding the available supply of qualified practitioners. Also, Frances serves as the MRC unit’s hearing/vision screening instructor and has helped the Kauai MRC to provide this service at community health fairs that target medically underserved families. Hearing/vision services can diagnose children with vision or hearing impairment and connect them to treatment at an earlier age, thereby addressing a problem that might otherwise remain unrecognized and potentially hamper their ability to succeed in school. Frances joined the MRC to learn new skills to make the community healthier and more prepared for potential disasters, and also to mentor more students through their health careers journey. “I especially enjoy being part of a team that embraces making a difference in the health and wellness of its community,” said Frances.

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Tulalip Tribes MRC Dedicates New Healthy Walking Trail On July 15, the Tulalip Tribes MRC (WA) celebrated the groundbreaking of their new healthy walking trail, made possible through NACCHO’s 2013 MRC Challenge Award.

Tulalip health clinic and community garden

The Tulalip Tribes MRC, in partnership with Tulalip Health Clinic Diabetes Care and Prevention Program, Tulalip Tribes Natural Resources Department, Early Learning Center, and Tulalip Tribes Elders Center, proposed a walking trail as a safe and central location on the reservation to increase physical activity. The trail will be about a half-mile long and will encircle the clinic and a neighboring wetland area with plants important to the native culture. The trail is another step in the tribes’ efforts to create a sustainable diabetes-free community. Current diabetes prevention efforts include using oral traditions, cultural activities, healthy foods, community-centered screenings, education, conventional treatment, and outreach that encourage a return to traditional ways while respecting individual needs and preferences.

Healthy walking trail dedication event

“The walking trail was an idea we had to connect everything in the community,” said Rochelle Lubbers, Tulalip Tribes Emergency Manager. “Multiple partners wanted to build a trail but the Challenge Award really gave us the ability to move forward with the project.” The trail is scheduled to be complete at the end of August.

News from NACCHO Applications for the NACCHO MRC Awards are Opening Soon! NACCHO’s two MRC awards provide funding opportunities to address your community's local needs and interests in public health activities and/or emergency response for projects, training, and innovation. The Capacity Building Award provides funding to eligible MRC units and is available for MRC units that meet basic eligibility and application requirements. The Challenge Award is a competitive funding opportunity that supports MRC units to develop new projects and programs that can be replicated on a national level, and in 2013, 29 MRC units were selected to receive the award.

Applications for the 2014 awards will open this fall. Visit mrcnaccho.org to learn more about the Capacity Building and Challenge awards and for tips to prepare for the awards process. Additionally, 2013 Challenge Award winners have posted blog, photo, and video updates to the site and will continue to provide more summaries and resources as their projects progress; view their profile pages to stay updated on their projects and get ideas to replicate with your MRC unit. Stay tuned for more information about the 2014 NACCHO MRC awards!

SUMMER 2014

Pettis County MRC Promotes Emergency Preparedness for Developmentally and Physically Disabled Individuals The Pettis County MRC (MO) organized Project 150 to distribute emergency preparedness boxes to vulnerable populations within the county. To ensure the success of the project, representatives from diverse local organizations have worked together to execute the delivery of the preparedness boxes. Seventeen girls from New Hope Baptist Church Girls in Action mission group held an overnight “Rock-A-Thon” and raised $700 to purchase LED lanterns, batteries, and food; State Fair Community College nursing students collected food donations; the local Open Door Food pantry contributed additional food; and several local teenagers and adults helped with the delivery and unloading of boxes.

Preparedness box

The project began in 2013 when the local public health emergency planning committee, of which the MRC is a member, put together emergency preparedness food boxes for senior citizens. The boxes contained a threeday food supply, emergency preparedness information, and a door hanger that says “CHECK on ME” with emergency contact information on the back. This year, the committee expanded upon the project to reach people with physical and developmental disabilities. Project 150 is especially critical since Pettis County has a large number of physically and developmentally disabled individuals living in the community. While the county has resources, activity centers, group homes, and training programs that support these individuals, emergency preparedness needed to be addressed. “Pettis County MRC would like for each individual and group home resident to have a well thought out plan and emergency kit to use should the need arise,” said Malinda Nevils, Pettis County MRC Unit Coordinator. Thus, 35 volunteers got involved and regularly donate approximately 20 hours over the course of the project to assemble the boxes.

To protect the privacy of recipients, the boxes were delivered to the West Central Missouri Independent Living Solutions, which provides assistance for disabled individuals to remain independent and live in their own homes, and staff have delivered the boxes as part of their routine home visits. The emergency preparedness boxes have helped local residents to start to build their personal emergency supply kit and raise awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness.

Pettis County MRC volunteers pack boxes

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! We need your help to make this newsletter informative, interesting, and beneficial to MRC units nationwide. We are always accepting stories and best practices on the MRC. Remember that stories with photos are more likely to be included. For the upcoming newsletter... Please submit stories and photos for consideration by September 19, 2014 to [email protected]. We look forward to your submissions!

Submission Guidelines

• Please include contact information (e-mail and telephone number) for follow-up. • If you include photos, please send as high-resolution JPEG, TIF, or EPS attachments. • Digital cameras should be set for high-quality images using the maximum megapixel setting available. • Photo submissions should also include a caption or description of the event.

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To report changes in your contact information, please email [email protected]. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.

A LOOK AHEAD SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

National Preparedness Month

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

American Diabetes Month

8-14 National Suicide Prevention Week 16 Get Ready Day

5-11 Mental Illness Awareness Week 20-24 National Health Education Week

20 Great American Smokeout 27 National Family Health History Day

Save the Dates A P R I L 1417 APRIL 1417,, 2015 A T L A N TTA A, GEORGIA AT PREP PREPAREDNESSSUMMIT.ORG A REDNESSSUMMIT .OR G

G L O B A L H E A L T H SECURITY: P R E PA R I N G A N AT I O N

Share your expertise at the 2015 Preparedness Summit! Abstracts are now being accepted for the 2015 Summit through September 23, 2014. Visit www.preparednesssummit.org to start your abstract today.

FOR EEMERGING MER G IN G THREATS TH RE A TS

This publication is made possible by the support of the Office of the Surgeon General under the terms of Cooperative Agreement MRCSG061001-01-00.