Laurie Willshire, MPH, RN, Public Health Education/Preparedness, American Red Cross, NW4-116C, 2025 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, 202-303-6924, willshirel@usa.redcross.org

While interest in disaster preparedness increased after the event of September 11, surveys show that two-thirds of American families don’t have the supplies they need in the event of disaster or other emergency and more than half don't know who to contact in the event of an emergency (American Red Cross 2003). In order to improve the level of community preparedness, the American Red Cross implemented the “Together We Prepare” initiative, which focuses on five simple actions that one can take to become better prepared for emergencies: make a plan; build a kit; get trained; volunteer; and give blood.

In addition to being recognized as the most trusted professionals in America (Gallup Poll 2003), nurses possess knowledge, skills and abilities that make them especially qualified to provide preparedness information to the public. Through its volunteer State Nurse Liaison Program, the American Red Cross has a field infrastructure that is well positioned to facilitate nurse involvement in community preparedness. This session will describe how the Red Cross has utilized its nursing network to assist with the implementation of the “Together We Prepare” initiative. It will provide specific examples of how nurses in states across the country have been able to reach multiple populations with key preparedness messages that provide the impetus for community members to effectively prepare for emergencies.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Articulate the rationale for community preparedness education and the benefit of utilizing nurses to provide this education.
• Describe how a volunteer nursing network can be an effective means of implementing a community education initiative.
• List at least three examples of how nurses can reach multiple populations with community preparedness information.

Keywords: Nurses, Disasters

Related Web page: www.redcross.org

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Red Cross
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employee