Grassroots Appalachia
Training & Guidance in Community Preparedness & Disaster Management
All disasters begin and end locally.
At first glance, in the middle of a pandemic, that may seem counterintuitive. But it isn’t. There have been wild fluctuations in every aspect of the Covid-19 Pandemic, from region to region. That is because preparation and response has varied locally.
That our nation, states, communities and organizations can do better in preparing for and responding to disasters is demonstrably true. Such challenges do not happen in a vacuum. It is the lack of leadership that has created the chaos that too often accompany natural or man-made disasters. This implies a lack of initiative, or perhaps in training. The former comes from within. The latter can be resolved if one so desires. We’re here for those wanting to improve their knowledge, skills and experience that training based in real-world experience can provide.
Training
I am Michael Barrick, a retired educator of youth and adults and an emergency management professional with practical experience as a first responder, first receiver and hospital administrator. I hold a post-graduate Certificate in Community Preparedness and Disaster Management from the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. I also have numerous FEMA certificates, including Exercise Design.
I provide training in assessing and developing: Risk/Threat Assessments & Hazard Vulnerability Analyses; Emergency Management Fundamentals; Emergency Operations Plans; Crisis Communications; Outbreak Investigations, Epidemiology and Surveillance; Compliance; Weather Hazards; Domestic Terrorism; Issues in Mitigation; Issues in Recovery; Drills & Exercises; After Action Reports; Health Care Response Structures; Mutual Aid Agreements; Memorandums of Understanding; and, more.
Training is conducted at your location.
Audience
This training is suited for NGOs/nonprofits; schools, colleges and universities; public health, hospitals and nursing homes; LEPCs; municipalities; CEOs and other economic leaders; journalists; law enforcement; and others.
Publishing
Articles on vital topics about Community Preparedness and Disaster Management are published periodically on the Appalachian Chronicle.
I am writing a book aimed at grassroots organizations and others interested in the numerous steps they can take to prepare their organizations for internal disasters as well as community disasters that require a coordinated response. Publication details will follow.
ABOUT & CONTACT
Grassroots Appalachia is located in Lenoir, North Carolina. Our service area includes Western North Carolina, West Virginia, Southwestern Virginia, Northern Georgia and Western Maryland.
In addition to my work in community preparedness and disaster management, my vocation has also included stints in journalism, education, ministry and politics.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE – HEALTHCARE
Organization
Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital, Weston, WV. July 2013 – January 2015
Title
Safety Officer / Emergency Management Coordinator
• Organized community partners to hold a full scale community exercise
• Community Feedback Team
• Journey to Excellence Team
• Chair, Hazmat Committee; implemented items identified in TJC Booster Pack
• Chair, Safety Committee
• Chair, Emergency Management Committee
• Developed Safety Matters Newsletter
• Developed Hospital Incident Command Center
• Participate in local, regional and state associations
Analysis/Research
• Facility Risk Assessment
• Emergency Management Program Assessment
Writing
• Hazard Vulnerability Analysis
• Emergency Operations Plan
• Emergency Codes & Procedures Manual
• Full Scale Exercise Community Exercise Plan
• Hospital-based Exercise Plans (3+)
Organization
Frye Regional Medical Center, Hickory, N.C., January 2007 – April 2011
Title
Safety Officer/Emergency Preparedness Coordinator
Special Projects/Responsibilities
• Organized community partners to hold numerous full scale community exercises
• Designed and developed the hospital disaster website (demonstrated as a “Best Practice” at the Triad Regional Advisory Committee, Winston-Salem, NC)
• Led hospital response to H1N1 outbreak, including the organization of a news conference to address misconceptions; it was highlighted in the Raleigh News & Observer as a model of crisis communications
• Chair, Safety Committee
• Chair, Emergency Management Committee
• Member, numerous local, regional and state EM committees
Analysis/Research
• Facility Risk Assessment
• Emergency Management Program Assessment
• Evacuation Planning
Writing
• Hazard Vulnerability Analysis
• Emergency Operations Plan
• Disaster Response Manual
• Full Scale Exercise Community Exercise Plans
• Hospital-based Exercise Plans (3+)
Organization
Charlotte (NC) Ambulance Service / Mecklenburg County EMS (MEDIC), 1974 – 1980
Title
E.M.T./Paramedic (Private agency taken over by county, trained then as paramedic)
Responsibilities
• Emergency patient care
• Mass Casualty triage
To learn more, write grassrootsappalachia@gmail.com
Header photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
© Grassroots Appalachia, 2020-2021.
