Raising Him Alone Presents. "Educating Parents On the Role of Mentoring Programs" (In light of the Penn State crisis). A FREE Virtual Tele-Conference for Parents. Tues., Nov. 22, 2011 · 8:30pm - 9:30pm (EST). These FREE calls are designed to get parents talking about critical issues focused on raising healthy children. Our special guests will be Stephen Powell, Executive Director of Mentoring USA and Kenneth Braswell, Executive Director and founder of Mentor Me and they will lead a discussion about mentoring, the role of mentors, and the role of parents.
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Thursday, November 17, 2011
The Role of the Mentoring Programs. Response to Penn State Incident and Mentoring Programs.
Exercise Design & Development. Paradigm Shift. Front-End vs Back-End
When I think of our discussion on the paradigm shift. I reflected back on what we were initially taught regarding CBRN training during the Cold War years in the military, which changed (paradigm shift) when we became actively involved in the process.
How often did we think that an entire base would be slimmed.
How inaccurate were many of the things we were taught, that became invalid. With the paradigm shift for initial response. This is a view from the individual response level, which will change once experienced individuals that have input into the paradigm interacts with those in the planning phase that the current established paradigm(s) are not functional within the current framework.
Many of the developers of these systems (strategic thinkers, PhD, research, etc.) have probably never been thru the actual experience that they're recommending for others to perform.
A prime example of a paradigm shift that needs to be incorporated involves the consideration of the effort, costs, and training on the initial responder, and leadership level of disasters\incidents with vs. the community level in exercise design & development.
Something I refer to as front-end (leadership, 1st responder, etc), and back-end (community, long-term recovery, etc).
Since 911, what has been the amount of costs in exercise design & development, after-action reports, and long-term planning at the front-end vs. the back-end?
Under the DHS\FEMA leadership, and the current executive administration under President Obama emphasis has been placed on a 'whole community' approach with major emphasis on the community.
The news media is quick to point out the errors and breakdown in leadership on the response and recovery phase, but whole community involvement is the key to full recovery in a timely fashion, the news media should change their prespective to a whole community approach to increase community involvement in all aspects of the emergency management process.
The news media is quick to point out the errors and breakdown in leadership on the response and recovery phase, but whole community involvement is the key to full recovery in a timely fashion, the news media should change their prespective to a whole community approach to increase community involvement in all aspects of the emergency management process.
We as emergency managers know what responders (fire, law enforcement, and EMS) will do up to 90% of the time during a disaster\incident, but what will all the coordinated entities and the community do for the long-term recovery of a community?
Planning, and exercising at the community level will bring about fast recovery of the community.
If you review the message traffic following the tornadoes and flooding from the past few months, the paradigm shift has been focusing more on recovery of the 'whole community'. During my tenure as the emergency management inspector with the USAF ACC, emphasis was on the individual at the bottom-level and how the planning, and the exercises were designed for them to recover over the long term. We knew, and know how the upper command structure would react and plan, but how did the command structure planning for the lower levels of the organization (community) to recover from an event take place, and who and what were involved.
Exercises are designed to end (ENDEX) at some point within the recovery phase. But, should exercises now focus on the long-term recovery from a scenario and build the scenario from the recovery phase with alternatives during the long-term recovery.
I'd say YES! Let's work backward in the scenario from the long-term recovery phase. Costs containment, physical and psychology trauma of the community can be responded to with needed resources. It's not just a matter of throwing disaster assistance money to those affected, by innovative planning and response.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Helping Kids Cope With Disasters
Helping Kids Cope With Disasters
Release Date: November 16, 2011Release Number: 1998-020
» More Information on Iowa Flooding
WEST DES MOINES, IOWA -- Children can be particularly vulnerable to the stressful effects of a disaster. Parents, teachers and caregivers need to be alert to signs.
For children ages 5 or younger, watch for behaviors like crying more frequently, clinging, having nightmares, fear of the dark, of animals, of being alone, a change in appetite, difficulty expressing feelings, or a return to outgrown behaviors, such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.
Children, ages 5 to 11, may become irritable, aggressive, compete for attention. They may whine, withdraw, or lose interest in normal activities.
Adolescents, ages 12 to 18, may express rebellious attitudes, experience physical problems or sleep disturbances, become disruptive in the classroom, or begin experimenting with high-risk behaviors, like alcohol or drug use.
Parents and teachers can help reduce stress in children by:
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has many tools available to assist you.For children ages 5 or younger, watch for behaviors like crying more frequently, clinging, having nightmares, fear of the dark, of animals, of being alone, a change in appetite, difficulty expressing feelings, or a return to outgrown behaviors, such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.
Children, ages 5 to 11, may become irritable, aggressive, compete for attention. They may whine, withdraw, or lose interest in normal activities.
Adolescents, ages 12 to 18, may express rebellious attitudes, experience physical problems or sleep disturbances, become disruptive in the classroom, or begin experimenting with high-risk behaviors, like alcohol or drug use.
Parents and teachers can help reduce stress in children by:
- Giving each child some undivided attention each day, to let him or her know you are there for them, even if just for a few minutes. Share experiences, reaffirm love or concern, and make plans together.
- Encouraging them to communicate with you, and listen to what they say. Involve the entire family or classroom, if possible. Doing disaster planning together can also calm children’s fears. Make a safety plan for the future.
- Understanding that fears after a disaster are very real. Continuously reassure them. Also, recognize their losses: of a home, pets, toys, normal routines, etc.
- Helping them adjust to disruptions and changes by keeping them informed.
- Reminding them often that they are safe. Give hugs, hold them, spend recreational time together, tell stories or just talk together at bedtime.
- Encouraging them to spend time with friends. Peers can offer great support during the recovery process.
- Temporarily lowering your expectations for them, giving them all the time and space they need to recover.
Helping Children Cope with Disaster is a free, 12-page publication available through FEMA’s website: www.fema.gov/rebuild/recover/cope_child.shtm.
This downloadable booklet, developed jointly with the American Red Cross, offers parents, teachers, and caregivers an overview of the effects of disasters on children, offering suggestions on how to help them cope after a disaster, as well as how to prepare for future emergencies.
FEMA READY KIDS is a child-friendly, interactive and fun website accessible from FEMA’s website http://www.fema.gov/ (click “Kids) or www.ready.gov/kids/index.html, where children can learn to become “Disaster Action Kids.” (It also offers resources for parents and teachers.)
By participating in the numerous educational games and activities offered here, children will soon be able to teach parents, teachers, and friends what to include in a disaster supply kit, how to protect pets during a disaster, and how to respond to the various types of disasters. They might also earn their official “Disaster Action Kid” certificate from FEMA!
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Nov-2011 09:20:20
GRANT WRITING BASICS Training. Loyola University of Maryland
Professional Grant Writing Basics
Training
Sponsors: Institute for Interactive Instruction ● Educare Resource Center, Inc.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
DECEMBER 6, 2011 ● 9:00AM – 5:-00PM
(PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY)
LOYOLA GRADUATE CENTER COLUMBIA CAMPUS
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
8890 McGAW ROAD-SUITE 130 COLUMBIA 21045
TEL: 410-617-7601
Price: $75.00
This intensive grant writing training is designed for community and faithbased
organizations, but will also appeal to other private and public agencies.
Participants will gain information and skills to write successful proposals, as
well as learn how to form collaborative partnerships with other community
stakeholders.
With experience in the utilizing hands-on exercises and interactive
activities, this training stands out from other grant-writing trainings
because it is designed to allow participants to practice and further develop
grant writing skills. Participants will also be given an “inside look” into the
grant review process, creating a proposal, defending your proposal and
increasing your potential fundability.
Who Should Attend?
Faith and community-based organizations
Philanthropists
Social and human services professionals who wish to contribute to theircommunities
Healthcare professionals
Registration Form::
http://www.iiiinc.org/catrice_pdf/professional_grant_writing_basics.pdf
Training
Sponsors: Institute for Interactive Instruction ● Educare Resource Center, Inc.
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
DECEMBER 6, 2011 ● 9:00AM – 5:-00PM
(PLEASE ARRIVE 15 MINUTES EARLY)
LOYOLA GRADUATE CENTER COLUMBIA CAMPUS
LOYOLA UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
8890 McGAW ROAD-SUITE 130 COLUMBIA 21045
TEL: 410-617-7601
Price: $75.00
This intensive grant writing training is designed for community and faithbased
organizations, but will also appeal to other private and public agencies.
Participants will gain information and skills to write successful proposals, as
well as learn how to form collaborative partnerships with other community
stakeholders.
With experience in the utilizing hands-on exercises and interactive
activities, this training stands out from other grant-writing trainings
because it is designed to allow participants to practice and further develop
grant writing skills. Participants will also be given an “inside look” into the
grant review process, creating a proposal, defending your proposal and
increasing your potential fundability.
Who Should Attend?
Faith and community-based organizations
Philanthropists
Social and human services professionals who wish to contribute to theircommunities
Healthcare professionals
Registration Form::
http://www.iiiinc.org/catrice_pdf/professional_grant_writing_basics.pdf
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Molds. After effects of flooding. Health Hazard.
Introduction to Molds
Molds produce tiny spores to reproduce. Mold spores waft through the indoor and outdoor air continually.
When mold spores land on a damp spot indoors, they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
The key to mold control is moisture control
It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture.
Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water.
Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely.
Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced
Mold Resources
Health Hazard. Flood Damage from Mold and Fungus
Phantom Fungus
Mary Murphy was alarmed by her grandson Zachary’s deteriorating health 4 months after Hurricane Floyd blew through their Hubert, NC, manufactured home in September 1999. Born with asthma, Zachary, age 5, had always suffered from common effects of the disease, so Mary and her husband, Garland, had always been careful as they raised him and his three siblings. But, in January 2000, following a series of doctors’ visits and stays in the local hospital, they found themselves rushing Zachary, now in serious condition with a collapsed lung, to Duke Hospital in Durham, NC. As the Murphys stood by Zachary’s hospital bed, they began mentally walking through their home searching for an explanation of his ongoing health issues. Mary and her husband returned home and began to look for the source of the problem.Hurricane Floyd had ushered in a tornado that entered via their chimney and burst through the roof of their home, seemingly leaving behind little more than roof and carpet damage. Private insurance took care of the expense of restoring their home, but it was now apparent there was additional (undetected) damage. Upon deeper inspection, the Murphys discovered that water had pooled underneath the unelevated manufactured home, apparently the consequence of runoff from a widened roadway that added to an already flooded neighboring creek. The water had been permeating the walls, causing mold to grow and infect Zachary with air contaminants, particularly dangerous to his sensitive lungs.
Mary contacted the local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and, within 3 days, a FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) agent came to their property with an environmental expert who, following an inspection, condemned the property. FEMA further determined the family qualified for temporary housing in a FEMA trailer while their manufactured home was demolished and a new one installed.
In July 2001, with a manufactured home model selected, the family moved from the FEMA trailer to combine housekeeping locally with their adult daughter in order to allow contractors to begin setting up the new home. Eight truckloads of sand were spread and an elevated foundation built before placing the new manufactured home into place. On August 3, 2001, the family was able to finally return to their new home, now elevated and safe from environmental hazards.
“They saved my grandson’s life,” said Mary, speaking of FEMA, “because, if they had not stepped in, I don’t know what I would have done.” Mary went on to say, “It (the mold) probably would have ended up killing all of us.” It was found that the family’s church had mold growing as well, requiring the congregation to move to a new building as many were sickened from breathing airborne contaminants. “I can’t believe how that mold does hurt people so bad.”
Not only is Zachary, now age 16, fully recovered, but the Murphys’ home has not flooded since being re-established on an elevated foundation. “I really appreciate FEMA,” Mary said. “They were really nice, the people that came out. They were great.”
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Prevention of Violence and Trauma of Women and Girls. Grant Opportunity
Prevention of Violence and Trauma of Women and Girls
DHHS logo
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/ Office on Women's Health
Summary: Funding is available for activities and events in support of Prevention of Violence and Trauma of Women and Girls.
Objectives
The purpose of this funding is to seek projects which increase awareness of violence and trauma affecting women and girls, offer prevention strategies and messages, and promote trauma-informed care to decrease violence against women and girls and to promote recovery and resiliency.
The purpose of this funding is to seek projects which increase awareness of violence and trauma affecting women and girls, offer prevention strategies and messages, and promote trauma-informed care to decrease violence against women and girls and to promote recovery and resiliency.
Deadlines
Applications are due December 7, 2011, Mountain Time, by 5:00 pm. Applications are to be submitted to owhapplication@jsi.com or via mail to:
JSI
Attn: Megan Hiltner
1725 Blake Street
Suite 400
Denver, CO 80202
Applications are due December 7, 2011, Mountain Time, by 5:00 pm. Applications are to be submitted to owhapplication@jsi.com or via mail to:
JSI
Attn: Megan Hiltner
1725 Blake Street
Suite 400
Denver, CO 80202
Description
OWH was established in 1991 in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, within the Office of the Secretary. Its mission is to improve the health of American women by advancing and coordinating a comprehensive women’s health agenda throughout DHHS. OWH is the government’s champion and primary agent for women’s health issues, working to address inequities in research, health care services and education that have historically placed the health of women at risk. OWH is DHHS’s focal point for ensuring that women’s health policy, practice, and research are mutually informed and effectively integrated within DHHS. OWH accomplishes this by collaborating with other federal and non‐federal partners on behalf of women and girls. OWH provides leadership to promote equity for women and girls through sex and gender specific approaches.
As part of its strategic plan, OWH continues to fund evidence‐based interventions to address gaps in women’s health that are not addressed at the national level by any other public or private entity. These interventions focus on health disparities in women’s health, in which minority status, disabilities, geography, family history, sexual orientation, low socioeconomic status, chronic conditions, and infectious diseases are contributing risk factors.
Violence against women and girls is perpetrated in all types of personal, professional and family relationships and crosses economic, educational, cultural, racial, age, and religious lines. The United States Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) estimated that nearly one‐third of women murdered each year in the United States are killed by their current or former intimate partners. BJS also reported that approximately one million women are stalked each year, and three percent of college women are victims of an attempted or completed rape in each academic year.
Research findings recognize trauma as a crosscutting, gender‐specific issue that has significant adverse effects on the health and wellbeing of women and girls. Violence against women and girls is a major form of trauma which encompasses intimate partner violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, emotional and verbal abuse; as well as bullying, human‐trafficking, and other forms of trauma or abuse. Violence affecting women and girls can take place in many settings including at home, at school, and in the workplace.
This funding opportunity addresses the physical, mental, and emotional impact of violence against women across the life span (i.e. girls, adolescent girls, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, mature women, and older women). Funding is available for specific events or activities intended to prevent, raise awareness of, and/or respond to the epidemic of violence against women and girls in the United States.
Proposals for funding may include activities such as: the development and implementation of organizational policies regarding screening for violence in health care settings; the development of organizational practices to provide trauma‐informed care to promote recovery and resiliency from violence and trauma; and outreach to workplaces and religious institutions on how they can adopt policies that address violence and ensure the safety of women and girls. Other activities may include VAW prevention workshops for women and girls; local public health awareness projects; VAW specific health fairs; and projects that engage men and boys in violence prevention programs
OWH was established in 1991 in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, within the Office of the Secretary. Its mission is to improve the health of American women by advancing and coordinating a comprehensive women’s health agenda throughout DHHS. OWH is the government’s champion and primary agent for women’s health issues, working to address inequities in research, health care services and education that have historically placed the health of women at risk. OWH is DHHS’s focal point for ensuring that women’s health policy, practice, and research are mutually informed and effectively integrated within DHHS. OWH accomplishes this by collaborating with other federal and non‐federal partners on behalf of women and girls. OWH provides leadership to promote equity for women and girls through sex and gender specific approaches.
As part of its strategic plan, OWH continues to fund evidence‐based interventions to address gaps in women’s health that are not addressed at the national level by any other public or private entity. These interventions focus on health disparities in women’s health, in which minority status, disabilities, geography, family history, sexual orientation, low socioeconomic status, chronic conditions, and infectious diseases are contributing risk factors.
Violence against women and girls is perpetrated in all types of personal, professional and family relationships and crosses economic, educational, cultural, racial, age, and religious lines. The United States Justice Department’s Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) estimated that nearly one‐third of women murdered each year in the United States are killed by their current or former intimate partners. BJS also reported that approximately one million women are stalked each year, and three percent of college women are victims of an attempted or completed rape in each academic year.
Research findings recognize trauma as a crosscutting, gender‐specific issue that has significant adverse effects on the health and wellbeing of women and girls. Violence against women and girls is a major form of trauma which encompasses intimate partner violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual abuse, stalking, emotional and verbal abuse; as well as bullying, human‐trafficking, and other forms of trauma or abuse. Violence affecting women and girls can take place in many settings including at home, at school, and in the workplace.
This funding opportunity addresses the physical, mental, and emotional impact of violence against women across the life span (i.e. girls, adolescent girls, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, mature women, and older women). Funding is available for specific events or activities intended to prevent, raise awareness of, and/or respond to the epidemic of violence against women and girls in the United States.
Proposals for funding may include activities such as: the development and implementation of organizational policies regarding screening for violence in health care settings; the development of organizational practices to provide trauma‐informed care to promote recovery and resiliency from violence and trauma; and outreach to workplaces and religious institutions on how they can adopt policies that address violence and ensure the safety of women and girls. Other activities may include VAW prevention workshops for women and girls; local public health awareness projects; VAW specific health fairs; and projects that engage men and boys in violence prevention programs
Type of Assistance: Grant
Eligibility
OWH funding is available to eligible entities located in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the six U.S.‐Affiliated Pacific Island Jurisdictions, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible entities may include public and private non‐profit organizations, community and faith‐based organizations, health professional organizations, colleges and universities, community health centers, hospitals, health departments, and tribal and urban Indian organizations.
OWH funding is available to eligible entities located in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the six U.S.‐Affiliated Pacific Island Jurisdictions, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible entities may include public and private non‐profit organizations, community and faith‐based organizations, health professional organizations, colleges and universities, community health centers, hospitals, health departments, and tribal and urban Indian organizations.
Grant Contact: owhapplication@jsi.com; 1-866-224-3815
Grant Information Source: Office On Womens Health (OWH)
200 Independence Ave Sw
Washington, District Of Columbia 20201
UNITED STATES
Website: https://www.rkb.us/leaving_site.cfm?location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ewomenshealth%2Egov%2Fabout%2Dus%2F
Page Last Updated: November 9, 2011
Additional Information
Thursday, November 10, 2011
NETC Training. Free just travel costs
The application period is now open for the National Fire Academy.
The open dates are October 15 through December 15, 2011 for the classes scheduled for April through September, 2012.
If you have not been to the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland you are missing a national gem of emergency response and emergency management training.
Three entities occupy the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center- the National Fire Academy, the Emergency Management Institute and the United States Fire Administration. Located in northern Maryland, just 10 miles from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, it is the ideal location for great training and to meet other responders from all over the country.
Take a box of business cards and be prepared to enlarge your professional network many-fold.
The variety of classes range from technical to executive and are provided in a college atmosphere and professional environment. You say your budget can’t afford travel to Maryland…? The classes are free, your lodging on campus is free and the airfare is reimbursed. Your only direct cost is your meal ticket at the campus meal hall. Funded by Congress through the Department of Homeland Security via FEMA’s budget, this is a “don’t miss” destination as early as possible in your career.
Here’s the website to get you started. www.usfa.fema.gov
The open dates are October 15 through December 15, 2011 for the classes scheduled for April through September, 2012.
If you have not been to the National Emergency Training Center (NETC) in Emmitsburg, Maryland you are missing a national gem of emergency response and emergency management training.
Three entities occupy the grounds of the National Emergency Training Center- the National Fire Academy, the Emergency Management Institute and the United States Fire Administration. Located in northern Maryland, just 10 miles from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, it is the ideal location for great training and to meet other responders from all over the country.
Take a box of business cards and be prepared to enlarge your professional network many-fold.
The variety of classes range from technical to executive and are provided in a college atmosphere and professional environment. You say your budget can’t afford travel to Maryland…? The classes are free, your lodging on campus is free and the airfare is reimbursed. Your only direct cost is your meal ticket at the campus meal hall. Funded by Congress through the Department of Homeland Security via FEMA’s budget, this is a “don’t miss” destination as early as possible in your career.
Here’s the website to get you started. www.usfa.fema.gov
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
FREE CEUs. Keeping FEMA Training Free
http://www.training.fema.gov/EMI/
Obtain FREE college level CEU (continuing education units) for associate, and undergraduate degrees in emergency managment.
Keep FEMA's Emergency Management Instititute training 'free'.
If you are a U.S. citizen with a social security number register for any of the online distance learning courses.
The 'whole community' is everyone. High school students, college, senior citizens, homeless, business owners, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, community organizations, sorieties, fraternities, the disabled, and incarcerated, re-entry program personnel and staff, half-way house personnel & staff, everyone.
OCCUPY......OCCUPY this....
Keep free training free.
Obtain FREE college level CEU (continuing education units) for associate, and undergraduate degrees in emergency managment.
Keep FEMA's Emergency Management Instititute training 'free'.
If you are a U.S. citizen with a social security number register for any of the online distance learning courses.
The 'whole community' is everyone. High school students, college, senior citizens, homeless, business owners, faith-based organizations, nonprofits, community organizations, sorieties, fraternities, the disabled, and incarcerated, re-entry program personnel and staff, half-way house personnel & staff, everyone.
OCCUPY......OCCUPY this....
Keep free training free.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Support 'New Proposed' Federal Snow Policy
By Robert McCartney, Published: November 5
We’ve all enjoyed snickering at those pathetic federal bureaucrats for suggesting that Washington area workers ought to just stay in their offices in a snowstorm or other emergency. Now can we please be adults and acknowledge that the bureaucrats’ approach is entirely correct?Let’s go further and think seriously about how we, the public, can help make the plan succeed.
The alternative is to resign ourselves to the current reality that an unexpected workday snowstorm — or, do note, a terrorist attack — triggers instant gridlock on roads and rail that makes everything worse for everybody.
Raise your hand if that’s a problem you want to perpetuate. No one? As I expected. So let’s put on our big-kid pants, Washingtonians, and work with the authorities on this one.
Here’s the background. In an admirable effort to reduce congestion in an emergency, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has drafted new guidelines for when to shut federal offices.
The initial reaction has mostly been mocking. But it’s also focused on just one part of the plan, called “shelter in place.” Once snow hits, workers are asked to stay in the office until roads and Metro are capable of handling the load.
It’s easy to make fun. Will there be cots and free coffee while we wait out the storm? Who’s going to heed the OPM, anyway, when we’re in a hurry to get home?
Here’s the rest of the story. The other parts of the plan are designed as much as possible to prevent sheltering in place by ensuring that workers are already home when the snow falls.
For example, OPM will encourage more workers at more agencies to telework when it’s likely to snow. It will make decisions earlier than in the past on whether to close federal offices or authorize unscheduled leave and unscheduled telework. Ideally, it’ll decide the afternoon or evening before the day of the event.
“How do you get everybody out of the city? Don’t bring them in in the first place,” Dean Hunter, OPM’s emergency management chief, said in an interview.
Also, and this is crucial, when an unexpected storm threatens to materialize during a workday, OPM will strongly urge people to leave by a certain hour so as to arrive home before trouble starts. Only people who remained past the deadline would then be encouraged to stay until snow crews have had time to salt and plow. The wait would typically be a few hours.
Here’s where it’s vital for the public to buy into the plan. The OPM’s orders to leave early or stay at work would not be mandatory. So anybody who really needed to keep working or leave to pick up kids would be free to do so.
If too many people ignore the plan, then it’s sure to fail. But if just half the workers could be persuaded to respect the recommendations, then it could translate into huge relief for the commute.
“Part of this is really the need for public education,” Hunter said. “We’ll have limited success if we can’t educate people and have them internalize it. It takes some individual responsibility, really, for their own safety and security.”
The OPM guidelines, first reported Wednesday, are likely to be issued formally within weeks after final talks with other agencies. They are part of a larger Washington area snow plan, which I criticized just 10 days ago for being too modest in size.
I remain concerned that the region is investing too little and remains too fragmented to cope with the problem.
But now that I see how much the federal government is involved, I’m more optimistic. The feds employ 300,000 people in our region, and many local governments and private employers follow OPM’s lead in making dismissal decisions.
“This is a big deal that the largest employer in the region is realizing that they have a key role and the default, which has been everybody go home, is absolutely wrong,” said D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), a representative on the region’s emergency preparedness committee.
Mendelson’s support is noteworthy, because he has been one of the most outspoken critics of the region’s emergency planning.
He and others credited OPM Director John Berry for taking the initiative. Berry, who grew up in Montgomery County, has a lifetime of experience with the region’s snow paralysis.
“I give Director Berry credit for getting out front and saying, ‘We need to do better than what we’ve done,’” said Charlie Bernhardt, a labor relations specialist at the American Federation of Government Employees.
For once, the authorities seem to be trying something that could make a difference to make our lives easier in a snowfall and safer in a terrorist attack. We ought to set aside our cynicism and do what we can to make it work.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
International Sector: Haiti, and Africa Short-Term Missions
http://www.lottcarey.org/
2012 SHORT-TERM MISSION ASSIGNMENTS
Pignon: Hosean International (Haiti)
Hosean International a service-based ministry, has been receiving teams and coordinating outreaches in Haiti since 1981. Mission service opportunities include: Children’s Ministry (Intensive English and Vacation Bible School) and Construction: Camp Grounds, Disaster Preparedness Warehouse and School.
Dates: Dec. 1 -9, 2011;
Mar.16 - 23;
Jun 23 -30, 2012
Grand Goave: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (Haiti)
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF): The small CBF Mobile Medical clinic at Siloe is a clinic without beds. The clinic is in need of medical teams to participate in ‘mobile clinics’ to the villages in the mountain region of Grand Goave. Significant time will be spent seeing patients and addressing both emergency treatment, and providing ongoing care. Medical personnel such as: Doctors, nurses, dentists, technicians, EMTs, and more are needed.
Dates: February 8 - 15, 2012;
May 9 - 16, 2012
Addis Ababa: African AIDS Initiative International (Ethiopia)
African AIDS Initiative International (AAII): Offers care and support programs for at-risk populations exposed to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. AAII also helps poor women forced into sex-work to support their families. This ministry opportunity is for women only.
Date: May 14-22, 2012
2012 SHORT-TERM MISSION ASSIGNMENTS
Pignon: Hosean International (Haiti)
Hosean International a service-based ministry, has been receiving teams and coordinating outreaches in Haiti since 1981. Mission service opportunities include: Children’s Ministry (Intensive English and Vacation Bible School) and Construction: Camp Grounds, Disaster Preparedness Warehouse and School.
Dates: Dec. 1 -9, 2011;
Mar.16 - 23;
Jun 23 -30, 2012
Grand Goave: Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (Haiti)
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF): The small CBF Mobile Medical clinic at Siloe is a clinic without beds. The clinic is in need of medical teams to participate in ‘mobile clinics’ to the villages in the mountain region of Grand Goave. Significant time will be spent seeing patients and addressing both emergency treatment, and providing ongoing care. Medical personnel such as: Doctors, nurses, dentists, technicians, EMTs, and more are needed.
Dates: February 8 - 15, 2012;
May 9 - 16, 2012
Addis Ababa: African AIDS Initiative International (Ethiopia)
African AIDS Initiative International (AAII): Offers care and support programs for at-risk populations exposed to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. AAII also helps poor women forced into sex-work to support their families. This ministry opportunity is for women only.
Date: May 14-22, 2012
Monday, October 31, 2011
Louisiana Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Louisiana Earns Perfect Score in Public Health Emergency Preparedness
State is tops in readiness for health emergencies
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 |
Contact: Bureau of Media & Communications (225) 342-7913
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein says the report reaffirms what he saw in action during the recent Pearl River fish kill, New Orleans marsh fires and Tropical Storm Lee. "Governor Jindal has challenged every state agency to execute our disaster preparedness and response functions flawlessly. I am so proud of our team at DHH, our sister agencies and all of our partners who have together proved that Louisiana is tremendously well prepared to respond to a health crisis. Whether it's been in the face of a hurricane, an oil spill or a pandemic flu, they have proven that fact time and again," Greenstein said.
DHH's Center for Community Preparedness Director Doris G. Brown, RN, MEd, MS, CNS, said the perfect score is a direct reflection of the hard work of the state and its partners through the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement between the Office of Public Health, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Hospital Preparedness Program. "We plan and train with our partners so that when we are faced with a man-made or natural disaster we are ready," Brown said.
In the report, all 50 states and 4 localities directly funded by the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement were graded on their ability to effectively receive and distribute the CDC's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), a cache of drugs and medical supplies to protect the American public if there is a public health emergency severe enough to cause local supplies to run out. The CDC and state public health departments conduct annual technical assistance reviews (TAR) to assess emergency preparedness plans for receiving, staging, storing, distributing and dispensing the SNS to ensure continued readiness for all disasters. The state must attain a score of 79 or higher in order to continue to receive preparedness funding from the federal government.
The report also evaluated states' public health laboratories. The DHH labs received high marks for their ability to test for and detect chemical and biological agents and their ability to assist DHH epidemiologists in carrying out epidemiological surveillance for early detection of potential threats. The DHH labs test daily for bacteria in foods and human samples to ensure rapid response to public health emergencies. The labs also help the state's public drinking water systems maintain federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards by testing for contamination. The state has four public health labs.
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals strives to protect and promote health statewide and to ensure access to medical, preventive and rehabilitative services for all state citizens.
To learn more about DHH, visit http://www.dhh.louisiana.gov/.
For up-to-date health information, news and emergency updates, follow DHH's blog, Twitter account and Facebook.
Trauma: Grant Funding. Crisis Counseling Assistance
https://www.rkb.us/contentdetail.cfm?content_id=56827
Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program
Department of Homeland Security
Source: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/ Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Summary:
The Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) provides supplemental funding to States, U.S. Territories and Federally recognized tribes for technical assistance and training as well as short-term crisis counseling services to individuals impacted by a Presidentially-declared major disaster that includes Individual Assistance.
Grant Information Source:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
245 Murray Ln - Bldg 410
Washington Dc 20528
Phone: 202-282-8000
Email: askcsid@dhs.gov
Website: https://www.rkb.us/leaving_site.cfm?location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Edhs%2Egov
Objectives
To provide immediate crisis counseling services, when required, to victims of a major Federally-declared disaster for the purpose of addressing mental health problems caused or aggravated by a major disaster or its aftermath. Assistance is short-term in nature and provided at no cost to the disaster victims.
Deadlines
The CCP consists of two grant programs, the Immediate Service Prorgram (ISP) and the RSP (Regular Service Program). The ISP provides funding for up to 60 days after the date of Presidential disaster declaration; while the RSP provides funding for up to 9 months from the date the RSP is awarded. The CCP may be a year or longer in duration if it includes an RSP in addition to an ISP. Many other disaster relief resources may have terminated services before the CCP. This is another aspect of the program that sets it apart from other approaches to disaster work. The ISP application is due 14 days after the date of the Presidential disaster declaration. The RSP application and ISP extension request are due 60 days after the declaration date and are followed by a Federal grant application review period, during which the ISP can be extended until a decision is made on approval of the RSP application.
Applying for the CCP
A completed and signed application and Federal forms are required to apply for the ISP or RSP. To apply visit www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/emergencyservices/progguide.asp and follow the instructions to download the application materials. These application materials also can be found on the CMHS Web site at www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/ by searching for “CCP guidance.”
Applying for Both the ISP and the RSP
After a Presidential disaster declaration, States, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized Tribes may apply for the ISP. If a continuing need for services is demonstrated, an RSP application can then be submitted. However, States, U.S.Territories, and federally recognized Tribes may elect to apply for only the ISP. Before applying for either program, a qualified entity must determine the need for crisis counseling services by compiling disaster data and conducting a needs assessment, one of the most critical components of the CCP application.
Program Duration
Description
For more than 30 years, Federal, State, U.S. Territory, and federally recognized Tribal governments have worked together with local providers to help disaster survivors recover from the effects of a disaster. The CCP is a Federal, FEMA-funded program that provides supplemental funding to states, U.S. Territories, and federally recognized Tribes after a Presidential disaster declaration. Through an interagency agreement, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) Emergency Mental Health and Traumatic Stress Services Branch provides grant administration and program oversight, as well as training and technical assistance for state and local mental health personnel.
The CCP consists of services focused on preventing or mitigating adverse repercussions of a disaster. This goal is achieved through the use of a prevention and public health approach. Beginning with the most severely affected group and moving outward, the program seeks to serve a large portion of the population affected by the disaster. Program services are community based and often are performed in survivor’s homes, shelters, temporary living sites, and churches. CCP services include supportive crisis counseling, education, development of coping skills, and linkage to appropriate resources, while assessing and referring those members of the community who are in need of more intensive mental health and substance abuse treatment to appropriate community resources. The CCP engages community gatekeepers and organizations through direct contact with stakeholder groups, such as unmet-needs committees, and participation in community events in order to facilitate response activities and services to survivors. The CCP is designed to assist with community recovery and collaboration in order to transition from CCP services to existing community resources upon the phasedown of the program.
The CCP consists of services focused on preventing or mitigating adverse repercussions of a disaster. This goal is achieved through the use of a prevention and public health approach. Beginning with the most severely affected group and moving outward, the program seeks to serve a large portion of the population affected by the disaster. Program services are community based and often are performed in survivor’s homes, shelters, temporary living sites, and churches. CCP services include supportive crisis counseling, education, development of coping skills, and linkage to appropriate resources, while assessing and referring those members of the community who are in need of more intensive mental health and substance abuse treatment to appropriate community resources. The CCP engages community gatekeepers and organizations through direct contact with stakeholder groups, such as unmet-needs committees, and participation in community events in order to facilitate response activities and services to survivors. The CCP is designed to assist with community recovery and collaboration in order to transition from CCP services to existing community resources upon the phasedown of the program.
Account Identification: 70-0702-0-1-453.
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office: See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a listing of addresses for FEMA's Regional Offices.
Headquarters Office
Department of Homeland Security
245 Murray Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20528
Tel. (202) 282-8000.
Web Site Address: http://www.fema.gov/
INFORMATION CONTACTS:
Regional or Local Office: See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a listing of addresses for FEMA's Regional Offices.
Headquarters Office
Department of Homeland Security
245 Murray Drive, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20528
Tel. (202) 282-8000.
Web Site Address: http://www.fema.gov/
Note: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) Project Officers are available to provide technical assistance and consultation on the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP). If you would like to speak with a CMHS Project Officer, please contact the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) at 1-800-308-3515 (Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET), and a staff member will forward your request to the appropriate Project Officer. CCP applications, supplemental instructions, and guidance documents are available on the Web at: www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/cmhs/emergencyservices/progguide.asp.
Type of Assistance: Grant
Eligibility
Applicant Eligibility: States are eligible for grants. If the Governor determines, during an assessment of the need for crisis counseling services, that because of unusual circumstances or serious conditions within the state or local mental health network, the state cannot carry out the crisis counseling program, he/she may identify a public or private mental health agency or organization to carry out the program or request the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Director to identify, with assistance of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), such an agency or organization.
Beneficiary Eligibility: In order to be eligible for services under this program, an individual must be a resident of the designated disaster area or must have been in the designated area at the time the disaster occurred.
Applicant Eligibility: States are eligible for grants. If the Governor determines, during an assessment of the need for crisis counseling services, that because of unusual circumstances or serious conditions within the state or local mental health network, the state cannot carry out the crisis counseling program, he/she may identify a public or private mental health agency or organization to carry out the program or request the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Regional Director to identify, with assistance of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), such an agency or organization.
Beneficiary Eligibility: In order to be eligible for services under this program, an individual must be a resident of the designated disaster area or must have been in the designated area at the time the disaster occurred.
Grant Information Source:
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
245 Murray Ln - Bldg 410
Washington Dc 20528
Phone: 202-282-8000
Email: askcsid@dhs.gov
Website: https://www.rkb.us/leaving_site.cfm?location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Edhs%2Egov
Additional Information