https://www.mivolunteerregistry.org/

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.

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.

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!

The 5DMRC continuously strives to advance medical education and training through specialty training programs, involvment in table-top exercises and through the introduction of innovative means to provide emergency services under difficult circumstances.

The strength of the Coalition lies with its partners, who together for over 10 years have worked to advance the capabilities and effectiveness of healthcare response in Michigan’s 5th District.