National Convention- The 2012 Integrated
Medical, Public Health, Preparedness and Response Training Summit will take place May 20-May 25, 2012. The event will begin
with 3 days of optional workshops (Sun. May 20, Mon. May 21, Tues. May 22). The main Training Summit will begin on Wed. May
23rd and will conclude on Fri. May 25th. This Training Summit is co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) and the Chesapeake Health Education Program, Inc. (CHEP). This Training Summit brings together HHS partners including
the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), the Emergency System for Advance Registration
of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP), and the United States Public Health Service (USPHS). This forum permits coordination,
collaboration and interaction amongst the target audience - the leaders and members of these preparedness and response partner
organizations. The Integrated Training Summit will enhance the knowledge, skills and abilities of participants, which in turn
will improve their capability to deliver public health and medical care services during disasters of any origin. Expert faculty
will present on key focus areas: Healthcare Systems, Leadership, Public Health, Resource Management & Patient Movement,
and Response Integration/Operational Medicine. Networking with these expert faculty members and fellow participants, many
of whom are the nation's leaders in the area of public health emergencies, will provide insight into the latest information
available in the area of emergency response and coordination. If interested please contact us at 978-928-3834
State Meeting: The next MRC statewide meeting
will be held on March 8. We are still finalizing the meeting location, but please Save the Date in the
meantime. If interested in attending please call 978-928-3834
CERT Training- although not required, this program expands your knowledge about potential activities that
you may be involved in during an emergency response. Lots of activities attached to the program such as learning to
handle a fire extinguisher, how to crib to get somebody out from under something heavy, and entering a building safely to
offer aid and rescue.
The City of Gardner in conjunction with the Towns of Ashburnham, Hubbardston, Templeton, Westminster and
Winchendon will be conducting Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. CERT is a community based citizen response corps that teaches recipients the principles
of personal, family, home and neighborhood disaster preparedness. The benefits of being a CERT volunteer are that you and your family will more easily ride out disasters through preparedness
and allow you to safely and effectively assist you neighbors and community in time of need. While the course content
is the same, response protocols and duties will vary slightly between communities. Additionally, CERT members will have
the opportunity to participate in public safety activities such as operating in the Emergency Operations Center, provide assistance
to public safety departments during community celebrations, provide shelter services during evacuations and help educate the
public about the benefits of disaster preparedness and planning. Classes are scheduled to begin each Saturday starting
February 11th through March 24th, 2012. Class times are 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. To
register please e-mail Gardner Director Paul Topolski to ptopolski@gardner-ma.gov or call the city Emergency Operations Center at 978-630-5434 and leave a message. There is no cost for the class,
materials and equipment will be provided. Membership does require a criminal background check.
We are on Facebook!! Still learning how to manage
the pages as a nonprofit organization, so be patient with us. In the meantime, check the site for the latest requests or information coming
across the desk/listserv.
Flu season is coming and here is a link to information
for yourself and to share:
