Rural emergency responders nationwide have a new tool in preparing for emergencies, disasters, and incidents of terrorism. Eastern Kentucky University, the University of Findlay, East Tennessee State University, NorthWest Arkansas Community College and Iowa Central Community college today announced the formation of the Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC).

The Consortium and its academic partners are led by Eastern Kentucky University’s Justice & Safety Center (JSC).

“The Consortium will develop and deliver training tailored for emergency responders in rural communities who face unique challenges in meeting their homeland security responsibilities,” says Linda Mayberry, Executive Director of the RDPC.

All training delivered by the RDPC is certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and is offered tuition-free for a broad scope of stakeholders, including the traditional emergency response disciplines, other emergency support functions as defined by the National Response Plan, and critical infrastructure owners and operators.

To ensure training is timely and relevant, the RDPC will conduct training needs assessments in the form of national surveys, user focus groups, and other outreach activities; match needs to existing programs or curricula; identify gaps; develop and deliver training; disseminate preparedness-related information specifically tailored for rural communities; and facilitate communications between DHS and the rural emergency response community on relevant preparedness training issues.

The RDPC will utilize advances in instructional technology and training delivery methods, such as distance learning, to deliver content addressing a broad spectrum of emergency preparedness topics.

For more information about the Consortium, contact Linda Mayberry, RDPC Executive Director, at 859-622-8106 or email Linda.Mayberry@eku.edu.