Benevilla is excited to announce their first “Community Summit on Emergency Preparedness” was a huge success. Residents living in Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise, Peoria, El Mirage and Youngtown were invited to this public education forum focused on strengthening the emergency preparedness of our senior community. The event featured experts in emergency management, health, and safety who shared insights and strategies for enhancing resiliency and readiness in the face of potential emergencies and disasters.
Held on Tuesday, April 23rd at First Baptist Church, 17419 N. Conquistador Drive, Sun City West, AZ 85375 the event showcased a diverse array of stakeholders, including local government officials, emergency responders, community leaders, and concerned citizens. Through a series of engaging presentations, panel discussions, and interactive tabling sessions, participants received valuable insights, best practices, and actionable strategies to enhance emergency preparedness throughout the community.
“As the Northwest valley continues to navigate an ever-changing landscape of potential hazards and challenges, the Community Summit on Emergency Preparedness stands as a testament to the collective strength and resolve of its residents” said Joanne Thomson, Benevilla President and CEO. “Moving forward, Benevilla and the local resource agencies involved remain committed to building on the momentum generated by the summit and working collaboratively to ensure the safety and well-being of all community members.”
Community Resource Tables from American Red Cross, Area Agency on Aging, Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, Arizona Public Service, Banner Health & Olive Branch Senior Center, Benevilla, City of Surprise Human Services & Vitality Department, Community Fund of Sun City West, First Baptist Church of Sun City West, Sun City Posse, Sun City West Posse, Sun Health, Surprise Fire & Medical Department and the Salvation Army offered free resources and information.
Important presentations were given by speakers from American Red Cross, Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, Arizona Public Service, Banner Health, and Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Key highlights of the summit included:
- What to do in various emergency scenarios, such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, and cybersecurity threats.
- Relationship building and identifying avenues for ongoing collaboration in emergency preparedness efforts.
- Identifying innovative technologies and tools offering new avenues for enhancing emergency response capabilities. From mobile apps for real-time communication to advanced forecasting systems, participants heard about innovative solutions to bolster resilience in the face of evolving threats.
- Above all, the summit emphasized the importance of empowerment and resilience at the individual, family, and community levels. By equipping participants with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources, this event helped them to proactively prepare for and respond to emergencies with confidence and resilience.
Videos of the presentations will be available soon on the Benevilla website at https://benevilla.org/emergencypreparednesssummit2024/ and on the Benevilla YouTube Channel. For further information contact Jennifer Drago at jdrago@benevilla.org or call 602-321-7831.
Started by the community and for the community in 1981, Benevilla is a not-for-profit family services agency dedicated to enriching the lives of West Valley residents by providing care services for older adults, adults with disabilities, children, and families. For more information on services, volunteer opportunities, to take a tour or donate to Benevilla, call 623-584-4999 or visit www.benevilla.org.