To mark the eleventh annual National Preparedness Month, NACCHO asked members to share how their local health department is promoting preparedness in their communities. Below is a feature from Washoe County Health District (NV). Would you like to share your National Preparedness Month plans with NACCHO? Share your plans in the comments section below or email [email protected] and you could be featured.

Washoe County Health District (WCHD) in Northern Nevada is partnering with regional organizations to conduct outreach and training in conjunction with National Preparedness Month. Some of their planned activities include:

• • Annual health fair for Washoe County School District: Local Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers staffed a booth and distributed health-related educational information and brochures and Preparedness Bags for an emergency on Sept. 13.
  • Psychological First Aid class for MRC volunteers and other public health partners: WCHD is sponsoring this class on Sept. 19 to prepare participants to provide immediate basic care, comfort and support to people who are experiencing disaster-related stress or trauma.
  • Preparedness presentation: WCHD presented to the Washoe County Chronic Disease Coalition about the special needs of that population in emergencies, such as extra cognitive or mobility assistance, or extra medications.

WCHD also provided a Preparedness Tip message of “Get Involved!” for the local Emergency Management Agency to distribute as part of a weekly series during September. Messages to get involved include:

• Be a volunteer with agencies such as the Community Emergency Response Team, MRC, and Red Cross
• Engage in community planning opportunities with the Northern Nevada Access and Functional Needs workgroup, who reviews plans and provides feedback from the perspective of vulnerable at risk populations in the region
• Take preparedness-related trainings offered through FEMA or the Red Cross, such as the Psychological First Aid class
• Donate blood through the United Blood Services

Special thanks to Linda Young at Washoe County Health District for sharing this submission.