Community Healthcare Spotlight: Heritage Community of Kalamazoo

Heritage Community of Kalamazoo presented an Emergency Preparedness workshop for it’s 400 plus employees in the month of January. The focus of the workshop was heightening awareness of potential disasters that could occur in Michigan/Kalamazoo and to ask the question: Are you and your family prepared if the unthinkable were to happen?

The “do 1 thing” (www.do1thing.us) campaign was featured at the workshop — explaining the concept that completing one task a month will, in a year’s time, better prepare a household for a disaster. Informational handouts were given with instruction on how to create a family plan, how much food and water to have available, first aid kits, and what should be included in a To-Go-Bag. Self awareness was also stressed; employees were encouraged to get involved in their communities, to take advantage of Heritage’s CPR training (offered monthly), and to educate their families and friends on how to be prepared.

Heritage Community of Kalamazoo’s mission statement is short, simple and meaningful.
“We celebrate Life and honor the Soul. We believe in our community, an individual’s dignity and providing compassionate care. We, at all times, strive to treat others as they would like to be treated.” Our commitment to our residents and employees safety, health and overall well-being is our number one goal.

Michigan Model for Health Presented at January Coalition Meeting

Ashley Vande Kopple from Kentwood Public Schools, a former employee of the Michigan Office of Public Health Preparedness, presented to the 5DMRC the Michigan Model for Health curriculum currently in use by Michigan public schools. The Michigan Model for Health^® is a comprehensive and sequential K-12 health education curriculum that aims to give school-aged children (ages 5-19 years) the knowledge and skills needed to practice and maintain healthy behaviors and lifestyles.  It provides age-appropriate lessons addressing the most serious health challenges facing school-aged children, including social and emotional health; nutrition and physical activity; alcohol, tobacco and other drugs; personal health and wellness; safety; and HIV.  The Michigan Model for Health facilitates learning through a variety of interactive teaching and learning techniques. Skill development through demonstration and guided practice is emphasized resulting in the development of positive lifestyle behaviors for students and families. For more information regarding the Michigan Model for Health project, please visit their website. The 5DMRC would like to thank Ashley for presenting and fully endorse this project. Click the link to view Ashley’s powerpoint presentation.

Sign-Up for the MI-TESA Training Event!

The 5th District Medical Response Coalition will be exercising the TESA medical system in a cold weather environment to better understand and prepare for real world deployment scenarios. This event is open to all who wish to participate.
The event runs from Monday, Jan 30, 2012 to Thursday, Feb 2, 2012 at the Van Buren County fairgrounds, west gate entrance off Red Arrow Hwy (backup location will be at the 5DMRC warehouse (participants will be notified if venue change is required). For more information and to sign-up, click on the Education and Training page!

Medical Reserve Corps Member Recognized for Life Saving Actions

Jodi Spresser-Ernstes, a member of the 5th District Medical Reserve Corps, volunteered to help with medical operations at the 2011 Chicago Marathon along with a contingent of MRC volunteers from Region 5.
Jodi was assigned to the pre-finish area of the race along with about 40 other volunteers. There was a 61 year old male runner that collapsed. Jodi along with 5 others went to his aid. In very short order, they lost pulses and the man stopped breathing. The team of 6 performed CPR until an AED was brought to them. Once applied, it showed an unshockable rhythm and CPR was continued. After nearly 6 minutes, the victim was regained consciousness. Today, he remains in a recovery mode but alive and there have not been any indications of any sustained injury or brain damage.

Jodi’s volunteerism and actions that day were the highlight of the December 5DMRC meeting, where she was honored in front of her peers in the medical community. Thank you Jodi for your dedication to helping others!

5DMRC Central Offices Move

Region 5 staff will be moving from MSU-KCMS to Spindler Hall on WMU’s campus through the holiday season. This move will be completed by Jan. 1, 2012. Spindler Hall is located directly across the street from MSU-KCMS on Oliver street. This move may affect future meetings between 5th District staff and members, but will not affect the 5DMRC coalition meetings. Updated contact information will be released as soon as the move is complete. Happy Holidays from Region 5!