Disaster Convergence - A Tabletop Excercise (Wednesday, October 07, 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

When the disaster doesn’t end after the first 72 hours, can your organization sustain essential services?

DESCRIPTION:

Natural disasters are becoming increasingly complex, and the challenges they create can extend well beyond the initial response. Join us for Disaster Convergence, an interactive tabletop exercise designed to explore the realities of prolonged disaster response and long-term recovery!

Participants will navigate an unfolding long-term event based on the increase in frequency and intensity of natural disaster occurrences. This exercise will utilize lessons learned and challenges identified during events such as Hurricane Helene, and focus will be placed on maintaining continuity of services. Emphasis will be placed on sustaining recovery efforts with limited resources and amid staffing challenges, communication disruptions, and changing patient needs.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

List areas of improvement in the organization’s disaster preparedness and continuity plans
Identify internal and external communication methodologies amid changing operational conditions throughout a long-term event.
Ascertain community resources, partnerships, and/or referral pathways
Develop strategies for sustaining essential services and addressing resource limitations.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:

Home health and home care agency leaders
Direct care staff and supervisors
Quality improvement and risk management professionals

WHY ATTEND:

The purpose of this no-cost, expert-led training is to take recently acquired knowledge and incorporate that information into processes and outcomes to assist agencies in being compliant with federal and state regulations in the areas of disaster preparedness requirements.

This includes the CMS Emergency Preparedness Program, State Regulations, Accreditation Organization Standards, and the OSHA General Duty Clause. Participants will receive an After-Action Report demonstrating their compliance with annual emergency preparedness exercise requirements.

MEET OUR SPEAKER:

Barbara Citarella, RN, MS, is the only internationally recognized expert in disaster preparedness for the home care and hospice industry.

In addition to consulting in all areas of health care, Barbara has worked extensively with local, state, and federal government agencies on business recovery planning, protection of personnel assets, infection prevention, infrastructure protection, all-hazards planning, and the Incident Command System.

For much of 2019-2022, she worked extensively with government agencies for COVID-19 response. During 2023, edited and revised multiple response guidance documents for the U.S. Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.

Barbara has also served as an expert panel member for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Medical Association, and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. She currently serves as a Subject Matter Expert for the United States Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response.

Maryland Emergency Preparedness Network upcoming events

Disaster Convergence - A Tabletop Excercise (Wednesday, October 07, 2026)