R7DHRE Preparedness Webinar

How Strike Teams Have Changed Missouri’s Disaster Behavioral Health Landscape

Wed Dec 10 | 1pm CT, 2pm ET

Join us to explore the transformative impact of the Missouri Behavioral Health Strike Team (MBHST) on disaster response in Missouri. This webinar will outline the team's mission and its evolution from addressing gaps in behavioral health services during emergencies to becoming a key player in disaster behavioral health intervention. Discover how the MBHST has rapidly responded to crises, collaborated with local agencies, and achieved significant outcomes through real-world success stories and insights. We’ll also discuss the team’s collaborative partnerships, the challenges overcome, and lessons learned. Looking ahead, we’ll cover future goals, including service expansion and integration with statewide disaster plans. Don’t miss this opportunity to understand how the MBHST is reshaping disaster behavioral health and making a meaningful difference in communities across Missouri.

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefing

Every other Tuesday | 9am | ZOOM

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security (GCHS), in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem, conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings here.

Thanksgiving

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefing

Every other Tuesday | 9am | ZOOM

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security (GCHS), in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem, conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings here.

R7DHRE Preparedness Webinar

Planning to Plan: Destroying the Silos Through Partnerships and Technology

November 12, 2025 | 1pm CT | ZOOM

Through an innovative partnership with the St. Louis Fusion Center, the St. Louis Regional Healthcare Coalition has made advances in real-time situational awareness and information sharing by utilizing the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). The session aims to discuss the process to develop HSIN dashboards and situation rooms, highlight the importance of integration with Fusion Centers and other partners, and how to improve rapid, secure intelligence/information sharing before, during, and after disasters.

NOTE: Due the nature of some material in this webinar, there will be no recording of the webinar available.

Lassa Fever in the Heartland- Lessons from the Iowa Case and Regional Response

Nov 12 | 12pm CT | Hosted by CareCubes

Register | Learn More

In early 2024, a rare and deadly case of Lassa Fever emerged in Eastern Iowa, triggering a multi-state bio-emergency response across Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois. This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of Lassa Fever’s pathophysiology and epidemiology, followed by a detailed timeline of the Iowa case—from initial presentation to the patient’s terminal outcome. Attendees will gain insight into the clinical course and challenges faced by healthcare providers in managing this high-consequence infectious disease.

The session also highlights the coordinated response among regional healthcare systems, including the critical role of the Level 1 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) in Omaha, NE, and the integration of EMS transport. Public health efforts across three states and the CDC’s involvement in monitoring and managing over 170 exposed individuals—primarily healthcare workers—will be discussed. The webinar concludes with key lessons learned and a call to action for strengthening U.S. bio-emergency preparedness at all levels.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the pathophysiology and epidemiology of Lassa Fever, including its relevance to U.S. healthcare systems.

• Analyze the clinical progression and outcome of the 2024 Iowa Lassa Fever case.

• Evaluate the multi-agency response, including the roles of Level 1 and Level 2 treatment centers, EMS, and public health entities.

• Discuss the challenges and strategies involved in managing large-scale exposure events among healthcare workers.

• Identify key lessons learned and opportunities to enhance bio-emergency preparedness and response infrastructure.

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefing

Every other Tuesday | 9am | ZOOM

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security (GCHS), in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem, conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings here.

Veterans Day

G191 EOC/ICS Interface Training

hosted by Grand Island Hall County Emergency Management

November 6 | 8:30am

To register or for more information, email Jon Rosenlund at jonr@grand-island.com

Summary: This session will review the clinical features, specimen handling, epidemiologic clues, and reporting steps for New World screwworm myiasis so clinicians can recognize when to consider this rare but serious parasitic infestation, emphasizing that common wound etiologies remain far more likely and that screwworm should be a low-probability diagnosis except when compatible wounds, visible larvae, and recent travel/exposure to endemic areas are present.

Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to...

• Recognize key signs of New World screwworm myiasis and when to suspect it. 

• Manage initial bedside care: remove larvae, care for the wound, and preserve specimens. 

• Report suspected cases and communicate relevant travel or animal-exposure history to appropriate officials

Intended Audience: Healthcare professionals, community health workers, and anyone interested in learning more about the topic

Disclosure to learners: None of the planners for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by patients.

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefing

Every other Tuesday | 9am | ZOOM

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security (GCHS), in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem, conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings here.

Partner Webianr: Future of Rural EMS in Nebraska

Oct. 23 | 6:30pm CT

You’re invited to a statewide Zoom presentation with Tim Wilson, Dr. Eric Ernest, Michael Dwyer, and NEMSA’s Sandy Lewis as they present an exciting proposal — and potential funding — that could transform the future of EMS in rural Nebraska.

Originally developed by the Nebraska EMS Task Force, this 11-part plan focuses on:

• Strengthening support for current EMS responders

• Expanding critical care capacity statewide

• Advancing community paramedicine programs

The initiative is tied to the federal Rural Health Transformation Fund, which may provide up to a minimum of $100 million annually for five years to Nebraska for healthcare innovation and rural health expansion.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of EMS in our state. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, will soon present this proposal to Governor Pillen. Please note — the Governor’s deadline to submit Nebraska’s application to the federal government is November 5th.
 
We encourage you to attend the webinar below, share this invitation, and bring your questions. The goal of this session is to provide clear information and promote open discussion about this important initiative.

Partner Webinar

Emory University - Serious Communicable Diseases ECHO Program

Oct 23 | 10am CT | 11am ET

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefing

Every other Tuesday | 9am | ZOOM

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security (GCHS), in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem, conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings here.

Columbus Day | Indigenous People’s Day

R7DHRE Preparedness Webinar

Bridging the Gap Between the FBI and Disaster Preparedness and Response Community: What is Your Plan?

Oct. 8 | 2pm CT | ZOOM

First responders and healthcare workers are at the front lines of detecting and recognizing a patient's exposure to dangerous pathogens, toxins, chemicals, and radiological materials. The astute observations and quick response from these personnel may not only mitigate the effects of a Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) incident, but also prevent an incident from occurring in the first place. The FBI seeks to partner with first responders and health care workers when suspicious incidents arise for investigation. This session will discuss how one should incorporate specific caveats that deal with WMD terrorism incidents into emergency response planning guides and training events.

• Objectives:

  • Define a “Weapon of Mass Destruction” and the FBI’s role in prevention and mitigation of their use.

  • Explain the importance of healthcare providers in mitigating the impact of terrorism attacks.

  • Discuss how the medical community can aid the FBI in mitigating the impact of terrorism attacks.

AWR 160 Standardized Awareness Training

Oct. 7| 8am-4:30pm CT | Adel, IA

This eight-hour course is delivered in your jurisdiction and focuses on training responders to meet the requirements established in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 472, Chapter 4, “Competencies for Awareness Level Personnel,” and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.120 (q) (6) (i) (a–f) “First Responder Awareness Level” competencies.

This course takes an all-hazards approach to Hazardous Materials (HazMat) incidents, including acts of terrorism where Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) materials may have been used. It provides participants the knowledge to recognize the hazardous material, protect themselves, notify others, and secure the scene.

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefing

Every other Tuesday | 9am | ZOOM

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security (GCHS), in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem, conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings here.

Partner Webinar

Understanding 1135 Waivers: Practical Insights for Healthcare Delivery

September 26 | 11am CT

Hosted by Region 1 RESPTC & Region 1 Regional Disaster Health Response Ecosystem

The hosts will:

• Explain what an 1135 waiver is and identify the operational benefits and limitations for healthcare organizations

• Clarify the conditions under which an 1135 waiver can be implemented and describe the process for requesting one, including key steps and required documentation

• Evaluate the strategic use and value of 1135 waivers through real-world examples, highlighting their role in supporting operational continuity, regulatory flexibility, and emergency preparedness planning

R7DHRE Preparedness Webinar:

Cybersecurity Month Kickoff Webinar

Join us as we launch Cybersecurity Awareness Month (October) with an engaging and informative webinar! Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the field, this webinar will equip you with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your cybersecurity awareness and start the month off right!

Sept 17 | 1pm CT | ZOOM

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefing

Every other Tuesday | 9am | ZOOM

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security (GCHS), in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem, conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings here.

Southern Regional Disaster Response System Webinar

One Year After the Biolab Fire: Medical & Public Health Perspectives

September 11 | 12pm CT / 1pm ET

R7DHRE Preparedness Webinar

TESTing Community Reception Centers: An Interactive Deep Dive with R7DHRE Radiation Specialty Team

September 4 | 1pm CT | ZOOM

Join the R7DHRE Radiation Specialty Team for an engaging, interactive webinar that puts you in the driver's seat of a critical part of radiation emergency response - community reception centers. Using the CDC’s “This is a TEST: Community Reception Center (CRC)” simulation game as a basis, we'll explore how the game can help plan for the real-world challenges of setting up and running CRCs—from managing crowd flow and resources to navigating tough choices under pressure. Facilitated by R7DHRE’s expert team, this session offers a rare opportunity to move beyond typical training and presentations—to demonstrate how you can evolve your planning and training approach using an immersive, team-based environment that’s as educational as it is engaging. Sign up now to sharpen your skills, build preparedness, and experience emergency response in action!

Webinar Objectives:

o Identify real-world challenges in establishing and operating Community Reception Centers (CRCs) during a radiation emergency.

o Discuss how the CDC's This is a TEST simulation game enhances skills in coordination, resource management, and decision-making under pressure.

o Apply immersive, team-based training methods to strengthen preparedness and improve emergency planning strategies in your practice.

Region 7 Infectious Disease Briefing

Every other Tuesday | 9am | ZOOM

UNMC’s Global Center for Health Security (GCHS), in collaboration with the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem, conducts biweekly meetings with local and state public health and healthcare representatives. These meetings focus on reviewing and discussing recent developments related to current infectious disease challenges. Dr. James V. Lawler, MD, MPH, FIDSA, presents comprehensive updates on data and advancements at local, state, national, and international levels. Recorded updates are accessible for further information. Watch the recordings here.

Labor Day

The NICN and APIC NE Symposium

45 Years of Progress: Advancing Infection Prevention and Control Together

August 29 | 8am-3:15pm | Holland Center | Omaha, NE

Intergration of Forensic Nursing, Emergency Management, and Infectious Disease Response Workshop

August 18, 2025 & August 21, 2025

8am- 4pm | Davis Global Center | UNMC | Omaha, NE