6th Annual Advancing & Redesigning Communities for Emergency Management (ARC) Conference
About:
This year’s theme, “From Concept to Action: Building Coalitions with VA & Veterans,” focuses on efforts by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and other organizations to work at the local level to improve the United States' preparedness and response activities. Distinguished interdisciplinary speakers will explain how the VA and other healthcare organizations can deliver timely, high-quality care to Veterans, their families, and their communities during emergencies and disasters.
Who should attend?
ARC Conference will bring together hospital and health system leaders, government decision-makers, local and state public health leadership and staff, emergency managers, academics and researchers, and industry partners to network, share, and learn.
Workshop:
The December 1 workshop includes a panel of industry healthcare, academic and agency leaders who will assess the impact of pre-disaster healthcare system capacity and care coordination on post-disaster recovery.
Engaging Workshops: Address emerging issues that influence direct-patient care access in disasters and emergencies.
Interactive Lunch workshop: Discuss ways to incorporate the unique skills of Veterans in strengthening the resiliency of local communities across the nation during major disasters.
Networking Opportunities: Establish collaborative relationships to share experiences and solutions.
Conference topics:
Global to local: reverse innovation in building coalitions – lessons learned from abroad
Disasters have global impacts, but efforts to learn from other nations are limited. This panel will discuss innovative approaches to emergency management and coalition building from other nations, and the lessons that can be applied here in the US from other nations.
Integrating individuals experiencing homelessness into disaster response
People experiencing homelessness have access and functional needs that may become exacerbated during disasters due to poverty, and health conditions that can interfere with planning and adapting to emergencies. This session presents a new Toolkit on Disaster Preparedness and Planning that addresses the need of individuals experiencing homelessness.
Developing a resilient workforce – innovations in training & HR policies
Panelists will discuss current critical gaps in the healthcare workforce, workforce readiness in a large hospital, innovative virtual learning resources aimed at preparing staff for disasters, and national efforts to promote nursing leadership and readiness during disasters.
Measuring readiness to promote resiliency – operational metrics and standards
Panelists will discuss:
- Efforts to build evidence-based practices in emergency management;
- A web-based system that provides a consistent and efficient approach to plan, develop, evaluate and improve emergency management activities throughout the VA and enables multi-level participation and collaboration; and
- Cybersecurity and cyber resilience for healthcare organizations.
Disaster behavioral health – mHealth, TeleHealth, and other innovations
The mental health impact of natural disasters, terrorism, and other emergencies may be greater than its physical effects. Panelists will discuss innovative approaches using mobile apps, telehealth, psychological first aid, and other cutting-edge approaches to address behavioral health needs following disasters.