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Newsletter Archive

The Partnership - Since 2003, the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville have received funding from Kentucky CHFS/DPH to provide training across KY for emergency preparedness for aging.The KY Preparedness for Aging eNewsletter is designed to be a quick reference training resource for professionals responsible for emergency preparedness for older persons. The eNewsletter will provide users with current information and training resources and will link to federal and state emergency preparedness sites. KY emergency preparedness for aging training options will be featured as well as national aging conferences that offer peer groups and presentations on emergency preparedness. Read More.

KY TRAIN resource - The TrainingFinder Real-time Affiliate Integrated Network, or TRAIN, is the national premier learning resource for professionals who protect public health. TRAIN is comprised of the national www.train.org site and participating TRAIN affiliate sites. Affiliate sites are managed by many state public health agencies, academic partners, and others. The Kentucky Department for Public Health is a part of the national TRAIN system (ky.train.org). The Kentucky TRAIN system is a vital tool in bringing on-line learning, training opportunities and resource information to the state's public health professionals.

The KY TRAIN system does not currently include a gerontology index subject. Therefore, public health workers in gerontology who utilize the KY TRAIN system should use "aging" or a similar gerontological term in their course search "by name." Please review the print instructions (link below) to review how to access our Aging OVAR-GEC aging/emergency preparedness learning modules in TRAIN. KY TRAIN print instructions (for accessing Aging OVAR-GEC modules in TRAIN).

The KY Preparedness for Aging eNewsletter is designed to be a quick reference training resource for professionals responsible for emergency preparedness for older persons. The eNewsletter will provide users with current information and training resources and will link to federal and state emergency preparedness sites. KY emergency preparedness for aging training options will be featured as well as national aging conferences that offer peer groups and presentations on emergency preparedness. Read more about us. Funding provided by Kentucky Department for Public Health CHFS/DPH MIS#200702261032

e-News Training Resource Highlights

- Free Pamphlets/Guides (Public preparedness resources from KY's departments of Homeland Security and Cabinet for Health & Family Services)
- Resources on Loan (Free OVAR-GEC loan resources for education & training)
- Tip Sheets for Specific Emergencies or Needs (National agency information for different emergency situations)
- Upcoming DPH and GEC Trainings (Register on TRAIN) (Department of Public Health & Geriatric Education Center training opportunities on TRAIN)
- Upcoming Conferences in Gerontology with Emergency Preparedness Topics (National conferences on emergency preparedness in gerontology)
- Webinars (AoA Emergency Preparedness & Disaster Assistance e-learning)

Flooding with major events occurring almost every year with significant floods occurring in thirteen out of thirty years between 1973 and 2003.
Tornadoes occur throughout the state and generally occur in March, April and May;
Severe weather events attributable to thunderstorms, winter storms, hailstorms, lightening, ice storms and hurricane-related rain.
Earthquakes are a concern to local and state officials. (Although no major quake has occurred since 1812, the risk of "high seismic" activity in the Jackson Purchase area presents great potential concern).

FEMA has identified the region as a potential catastrophic disaster zone.

Kentucky Hazard Analysis

FEMA Earthquake Map

Lessons Learned - While elderly comprised 15% of the population of New Orleans before Hurricane Katrina, elderly made up 70% of the hurricane-related deaths. Key recommendations from the 2007 Nursing Home Hurricane Summit that apply across organizations serving the elderly include maintaining communications when traditional carriers are out of operation, testing disaster plans in advance, identification of clients especially those with cognitive impairment and special needs such as dialysis and oxygen, and having plans in place to communicate with clients, families and staff before, during and after a disaster. Read more:

Caring for Vulnerable Elders During a Disaster: National Findings of the 2007 Nursing Home Summit
Vulnerable Populations and Public Health Emergencies
Office of the White House: Katrina Lessons Learned

University of Kentucky / University of Louisville Training Resources

Regional Trainings
In anticipation of a crisis situation where emergency response will be required for and by older adults as well as organizations serving them, these trainings will offer techniques, tools and resources to assist and support preparedness for all ranges of hazards. These include preparedness for older adults as well as organizational planning, communication, response and recovery by service providers across county lines. Discussions will be held with service providers (and older adults where applicable) to increase awareness of the needs and concerns of older adults in the region during an emergency. Further, organizations will have an opportunity to learn how to facilitate tabletop exercises to test their preparedness plans and measures (where available). Free CEs available.

Dates of Upcoming Trainings Across Kentucky:
Hazard, Kentucky River ADD - December 12, 2007
Morehead, St. Clair Regional Hospital - January 15, 2008
Lexington, Summer Series on Aging - June 2008