IRH presents ‘The Joy of Disaster Preparedness’ in observance of National Preparedness Month

Preparing for catastrophic events – terrorist attacks, natural-disasters, even local wildfires – is not typically viewed as enjoyable for most.  However, Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health (IRH) is encouraging citizens to see the silver lining in organizing for such disasters.

As part of September’s National Preparedness Month 2007 designation, the IRH’s Idaho Bioterrorism Awareness and Preparedness Program (IBAPP), Telehealth Idaho and the Idaho Health Care Assocation will offer “The Joy of Disaster Preparedness” at distance learning sites throughout Idaho. The presentation is scheduled Thursday, Sept. 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. MST.

This presentation offers an upbeat perspective on disaster preparedness as well as realistic planning and response ideas.  Presenters will show how readying for such events can be satisfying, even fun.

This annual nationwide effort encourages Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in health care facilities, homes, businesses and schools. The session is free and participants can preregister at www.isu.edu/irh/IBAPP.

Distance-learning sites for the event include:

• Coeur d’Alene: ISU–Coeur d’Alene, North Idaho Center for Higher Education, 1000 West Hubbard Street, Suite 128, and Kootenai Medical Center, 2003 Lincoln Way, Conference Room HRC, Fox 3.

• Bonners Ferry: Boundary Community Hospital, 551 Kaniksu Street.

• Boise: ISU0–Boise, 12301 West Explorer Drive, Room 156, or Saint Luke’s Anderson Center, 100 East Idaho Street.

• Kellogg: Shoshone Medical Center, 3 Jacobs Gulch Street.

• Idaho Falls: ISU–Idaho Falls, 1770 Science Center Drive, Room CHE 208.

• Montpelier: Bear Lake Memorial Hospital, 164 South 5th Street.

• Pocatello: ISU Campus, Eli Oboler Library, Basement Floor (Distance Learning Dept.), Room B35.

• St. Maries: Bennewah Community Hospital, 229 South 7th Avenue.

• Sandpoint: Bonner General Hospital, 520 North 3rd Street.

• Twin Falls: ISU–Twin Falls, Evergreen Building, 315 Falls Avenue, Suite B-40, Room C-89.

The Idaho Bioterrorism Awareness and Preparedness Program (IBAPP) provides training to Idaho’s health care workforce. Trainings include recognition and management of bioterrorism, all hazards, and natural-disaster emergency events. In order to span the state and reach the hundreds of health care facilities, IBAPP is employing cutting-edge distance-learning methodologies to touch the hard-to-reach, rural and busy health care professionals.

The IBAPP program is funded by a grant provided through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) to the Idaho State University Institute of Rural Health.

For information on emergency preparedness visit www.ibapp.org or www.ready.gov. For information about the presentation, contact the IRH at (208) 282-4436 or irh@isu.edu.