NEO Healthcare Coalition Conference Brings Experts Together, Strengthening Regional Partnerships and Community Safety

Strong emergency response begins long before a crisis occurs, built on the relationships, coordination and trust developed among organizations that serve the community. On Friday, June 5, 80 healthcare, emergency management, public health and public safety professionals gathered at Lakeland Community College for the Northeast Ohio Healthcare Coalition's (NEO HCC) annual conference to strengthen those connections and share insights that can improve preparedness across the region.

The event, offered at no cost to attendees through WellLink Health Alliance’s emergency preparedness programming, focused on strengthening regional collaborative preparedness efforts. Also an important part of the day, four individuals were recognized for their contributions to advancing community readiness throughout Northeast Ohio.

This year’s event, themed “Building Resilient Healthcare Communities,” brought together professionals from hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), public health, emergency management and long-term care organizations.

With support from sponsors Carington Park, Northwest Ambulance District and WellLink Group Purchasing, the conference provided opportunities for attendees to network, exchange ideas and learn from experts in emergency preparedness and response. NEO HCC also welcomed several new coalition members who will participate in regional programming moving forward.

“This year’s conference brought together healthcare and emergency services professionals to share knowledge and strengthen regional partnerships that are vital to emergency preparedness and community safety,” said Christina Fozio, emergency preparedness manager at WellLink Health Alliance. “The theme, ‘Building Resilient Healthcare Communities,’ reflects our continued focus on strengthening collaboration, preparedness and coordinated response efforts across Northeast Ohio. By learning from one another and sharing preparedness strategies, we are better equipped to respond to emergencies and support the communities we serve.”

The day’s programming included presentations from:

• Kelly Austin of KLA Risk Consulting on recognizing and managing workplace violence, resolving conflicts, and maintaining situational awareness in healthcare settings.
• Michael Leslie and Bill Lohner from the Ohio Department of Health, who provided information on radiological emergency preparedness and response.
• Chris Troyanos, founder and executive director of Sports Medicine Consultants, who offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on the Boston Marathon bombing and the emergency response efforts that followed.
• Eric Cote, with Powered for Patients, a national initiative focused on strengthening emergency power preparedness in healthcare facilities.
• Dione DeMitro of the United Way of Lake County, who led participants through a poverty simulation experience exploring the challenges many individuals and families face within our communities.

Conference attendees also had a special visit from Chagrin Valley Dispatch’s goodwill ambassador, Odin the Golden Retriever, who enthusiastically accepted some special treats.

Four Awardees Recognized

The conference also included the presentation of awards recognizing Northeast Ohio Healthcare Coalition members who have made significant contributions to emergency preparedness and emergency management throughout the region. Recipients were honored both for their leadership within their organizations and for their efforts to strengthen preparedness across the broader community.

This year’s awards honored:

• Jessica Wakelee, Emergency Preparedness Manager, Lake County General Health District.
• Jacqueline Costa, Quality Assurance Specialist, Cuyahoga County Emergency Communications System (CECOMS).
• Kevin Friis, Planning Manager and EMAP Accreditation Manager, Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management.
• Kenneth Winter, Emergency Management Officer, University Hospitals.

“Thank you for the work you do and for your continued commitment to keeping our communities safe, healthy and prepared,” said WellLink President & CEO Brian Lane during opening remarks. “Through collaboration, planning, training and information sharing, this coalition is continuing to build a more resilient healthcare community across Northeast Ohio. This work has never been more important.”

About the Northeast Ohio Healthcare Coalition

Spanning Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Lorain counties, the Northeast Ohio Healthcare Coalition (NEO HCC) brings diverse healthcare organizations together to respond and coordinate efforts before, during, and after emergencies. The NEO HCC collaborates with stakeholders to ensure the community has the necessary medical equipment and supplies, real-time information, communication systems, and trained personnel to respond to an emergency.