Learning Objective #1: Discuss the importance of incorporating Disaster Health Services into undergraduate nursing education

Learning Objective #2: Review the process of establishing and maintaining a partnership with the American Red Cross

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In 2004 a university based undergraduate nursing program identified the importance of incorporating emergency preparedness and disaster response education into the curriculum. A partnership was established between the university and the local American Red Cross chapter. The purpose of this partnership was many including: 1) to provide education to undergraduate nursing students on emergency preparedness and disaster response; 2) to provide nursing students with the experience of working with a community volunteer based organization; and 3) to assist the American Red Cross in building a community of potential health services volunteers. This community based partnership will assist in increasing the level of emergency preparedness in the region as well as provide a new realm of nursing for the students. The partnership includes both a theory and a clinical component and incorporates the same education provided to new American Red Cross disaster response volunteers. Some future activities that are being considered for the partnership are community assessment activities, disaster simulations and additional education on disaster response operations.