Summary of Year 1 Activities
In its first year, UMCPHPR focused on building a strong regional foundation to guide future work. A key component of this effort was the establishment of a Regional Coordinating Body (RCB), which brought together representatives from public health, healthcare, education, Tribal organizations, and other community partners across Region 5. Through a series of structured meetings, the RCB provided critical insight into regional strengths, challenges, and priorities for preparedness and response. Consistent themes included the importance of strengthening partnerships, improving coordination across sectors, and recognizing schools as important community-based settings for preparedness activities.
In parallel, UMCPHPR conducted extensive listening sessions (Google Doc) across all six states in the region in collaboration with academic and practice-based partners, including the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Epidemiology Center. These sessions engaged more than 250 participants representing rural, urban, Tribal, public health, and K–12 perspectives. Participants consistently highlighted the need for clear, timely, and coordinated communication during public health events, along with practical tools such as adaptable templates, defined roles and responsibilities, and strategies to address misinformation. Workforce challenges, including staff turnover and training needs, were also widely noted, as were resource constraints in rural and under-resourced communities.
Findings from both the RCB and listening sessions pointed to K–12 school systems as a key setting for strengthening preparedness efforts. Schools were frequently identified as trusted community partners with an important role in communication and response activities, while also facing unique challenges such as limited staffing and varying levels of preparedness infrastructure. Input from Tribal partners further emphasized the importance of culturally responsive approaches, reliable communication channels, and recognition of Tribal sovereignty in preparedness planning.
These Year 1 activities directly informed the Center’s strategic direction and the development of its initial initiative, Project Ready Schools, which focuses on strengthening communication, coordination, and preparedness planning within K–12 settings. Ongoing engagement with regional partners will continue to guide implementation and ensure that activities remain responsive to identified needs across the region.
