New Paltz to offer American Red Cross training in disaster services

NEW PALTZ – The Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH) and Students for Disaster Response and Preparedness at the State University of New York at New Paltz are hosting a free two-day American Red Cross event to train community members and potential volunteers in basic Red Cross disaster services in response to tropical storm Irene and Lee.

The courses will serve as an introduction to the Red Cross, and will discuss both the roles and responsibilities of Mass Care workers, and how to effectively set up, run, and close shelters while meeting the needs of people displace as a result of a disaster. Attendees will complete a set of basic disaster-response trainings and may register as American Red Cross volunteers with the Mid-Hudson Chapter.

The first training session on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. will be an overview of disaster services and shelter operations. The second session on Feb. 25 from 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. will have shelter simulations and teach psychological first aid in disaster situations. Both sessions are located at SUNY New Paltz in Lecture Center 100.

To register for this event, contact Kathryn Smith from the Mid-Hudson American Red Cross chapter at ksmith@redcrossneny.org with your name and physical address. For further information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/275225622533659/.