Adelphi University Focuses on National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month. According to the inaugural Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation Poll, 44 percent of Americans don’t have first aid kits; 48 percent lack emergency supplies; and 52 percent do not have copies of health insurance documents.

The Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation wants emergency preparedness to begin with the community. The university has joined a nationwide effort, the Pledge to Prepare Initiative by FEMA, as a commitment to help citizens be better prepared.

On Sept. 12, from 9 to 11 a.m., two Adelphi University emergency management experts will be in the Ruth S. Harley University Center Lobby to answer the public’s top concerns about preparedness. Members of the public who stop by from 10 to 11 a.m. can enter to win either a emergency kit or NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) emergency radio.

In addition, the Center for Student Involvement will be hosting a collection drive and fundraiser for families that were affected by Hurricane Isaac. All donations will benefit Belle Chasse, LA in Plaquemines Parish, one of the hardest hit areas that suffered the most damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Isaac. Anyone who makes a donation or drops off needed items (school supplies: backpacks, notebooks, folders, pens, three-ring binders, etc.), can place their name into the raffle for a second chance to win either the kit or radio.

Ask the Experts!
Dr. K..C. Rondello, M.D., M.P.H., academic director of Emergency Management Programs at Adelphi University

Meghan K. McPherson, MPP AEM, coordinator of the Center for Health Innovation and the program coordinator for the Graduate Program in Emergency Management at Adelphi University

The Adelphi emergency management experts will answer questions on emergency (personal and family) preparedness and offer "need to know" tips on how to: Plan to Protect Yourself and Your Family; Build a Basic Emergency Supplies Kit; and Stay Informed When Disaster Strikes.

Adelphi has had an emergency management program in place since 2004 offering graduate certificates in emergency management to master’s degrees in emergency management. The university has graduated and trained personnel who can respond to, and lead others during, emergency situations.

The inaugural Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation Poll brings attention to the importance of personal preparedness and planning, and provides a national benchmark on where we are as a country and community on this topic. The Center for Health Innovation poll highlights pressing public health issues and critical information that the average American is woefully unprepared for disasters. It was a nationwide survey of 1,003 American adults, ages 18 and older. The Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation wants the topic of emergency preparedness to be top of mind for Americans. And, provide crucial tips to strengthen an individual's emergency readiness and disaster response capability.

Visit the Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation at chi.adelphi.edu/think-about-it-2 for information on preparing for an emergency.