Radiological Readiness: Preparing for Dirty Bombs, Nuclear Disasters, and Other Radiation Emergencies was held on Friday April 19, 2013
Sponsored by New York State Office of Emergency Management,
Campus Auxiliary Services, and The Bookstore at New Paltz
The training provided a timely and important opportunity for new information and recommendations to be presented and discussed, and incorporated into planning procedures for multiple organizations that would need to collaborate in any response. The training event had two primary goals: 1) Increase the knowledge base among emergency management personnel, public health and mental health professionals, first responders, and the general public about the probability, effects, and consequences of radiological disasters. 2) Facilitate communication and information-sharing among professions and agencies critical in disaster response.
The training consisted of presenters from the New York State Office of Emergency Management, New York State Department of Mental Health, and New York State Department of Health, who presented perspectives, recommendations, and updates from their respective fields. See Speaker Bios for full list of presenters. By reviewing the diverse challenges and consequences of different types of radiological disasters, the whole community will become better prepared for future nuclear accidents or terrorists attacks involving radiation exposure and/or contamination.
Training Agenda:
9:00-9:15 a.m. Welcome and Introductions-
- James Halpern, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Disaster Mental Health
- Donald Christian, Ph.D., President, State University of New York at New Paltz
- Col. (Retired) Chris Gibson, MPA, Ph.D., Congressman 19th District New York
9:15-10:30 a.m. From Radiological Incidents to Nuclear Calamities: Social, Behavioral, and Risk
Communication Issues in Radiation Emergencies. Followed by Q & A
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- Steven M. Becker, Ph.D., Professor of Community and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University
- See Dr. Becker's Workshop on our Media Website
- Steven M. Becker, Ph.D., Professor of Community and Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University
10:30-10:45 a.m. Coffee Break
10:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. New York State Response to Radiological Catastrophes; A multidisciplinary plenary including presentations, discussions, and Q&A, moderated by Gerald Benjamin, Ph.D., Director, Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach
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- New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services: Jerome Hauer, Ph.D., Commissioner
- New York State Department of Health: Adela Salme-Alfie, Ph.D., Acting Director Division of Enviornmental Health Investigation
- New York State Office of Mental Health: Lloyd I. Sederer, M.D., Medical Director
- American Red Cross in Greater NY Emergency Services: Diane Ryan, L.C.S.W., Regional Director of Disaster Mental Health and Partner Services
- See Plenary Presentation on our Media Website
12:30-1:45 p.m. Lunch, Networking, Tabling, Book signing
1:45-3 p.m. Breakout Session 1 (See Workshop Descriptions)
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- Risk Messaging and Crisis Communication
- Moderator: Greg Brunelle, M.S., Director, New York State Office of Emergency Management
- Participants: Steven M. Becker, Ph.D.; Jerome Hauer, Ph.D.; Steve Moskowitz, L.M.S.W.
- See Panel on Risk Messaging on our Media Website
- Assisting Children in the Aftermath of Catastrophic Events
- Kathleen Tillman, Ph.D.
- Medical Aspects of Radiological Response
- Cynthia A. Costello, M.S., M.P.H., C.H.P.
- Understanding Post-Blast Human Behavior: Disaster Mental Health Overview
- Mary Tramontin, Psy.D., and Karla Vermeulen, Ph.D.
- Risk Messaging and Crisis Communication
3:15-4:30 p.m. Breakout Session 2 (See Workshop Descriptions)
- Lessons from Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Accident
- Steven M. Becker, Ph.D.
- Assisting Children in the Aftermath of Catastrophic Events
- Kathleen Tillman, Ph.D.
- Medical Aspects of Radiological Response
- Cynthia A. Costello, M.S., M.P.H., C.H.P.
- Understanding Post-Blast Human Behavior: Disaster Mental Health Overview
- Mary Tramontin, Psy.D., and Karla Vermeulen, Ph.D.
- See Dr. Tramontin and Dr. Vermeulen's Workshop on our Media Website
Please Speaker Bios to learn about the presenters
