Southwest Nebraska Public Health celebrates National Volunteer Week

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department wants to recognize the numerous volunteers involved with the Community Preparedness Committees in each county of our district during National Volunteer Week.

"We use volunteers in implementing our preparedness plans for each county," explains Heidi Wheeler, Emergency Response Coordinator for Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department. "Volunteers are vital to a successful response during and after a disaster or public health emergency. We appreciate our emergency preparedness volunteers and their commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the people in their county."

National Volunteer Week is about taking action, encouraging individuals and their respective communities to actively demonstrate their collective power to foster positive transformation.

"SWNPHD encourages everyone to seek out ways to serve and volunteer whenever possible," states Wheeler. "We appreciate our local heroes." Volunteers are needed to join Community Preparedness Committees (CPC) in Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier, Furnas, Perkins and Red Willow counties.

CPC volunteers meet once a year for annual planning and review their roles in a disaster. They can also attend disaster training exercises. You do not need a background in law enforcement, medical or fire to be a volunteer. There are numerous positions that can be fulfilled by those that "just want to help". For more information on becoming a volunteer contact Heidi Wheeler, Emergency Response Coordinator at 308-345-4223 or email at erc@swhealth.ne.gov.

Volunteer Disaster Training, at no cost, will be held June 14th from 8am-5pm at McCook Community College or June 15th 8 am-5pm at Mid Plains Community College Extended Campus in Imperial. Registration is due by May 31st. Register by calling 308-345-4223 or email at erc@swhealth .ne.gov.

SWNPHD is located at 404 West 10th (1 block north of Arby's) in McCook and is also on Facebook and Twitter. The health department serves Chase, Dundy, Hayes, Hitchcock, Frontier, Furnas, Perkins and Red Willow counties.