This free session will be held at Wolf Branch Middle School’s Library 410 Huntwood Rd. Swansea, IL. and will be facilitated by Dr. Deborah Horton, PhD, RN, MPH, PHNA-BC (Assistant Professor Coordinator, RN to BSN Option Trudy Busch Valentine School of Nursing Saint Louis University) and Kyle Foerst, M.S. Adjunct Instructor, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics College for Public Health & Social Justice Saint Louis University.  This session will equip school nurses with practical knowledge and leadership tools to prepare for disaster events in school communities including bioterrorism and infectious disease disasters.  Topics include school-based planning for biological events, Points of Dispensing (PODs), coordination with public health partners, and the use of drills to evaluate and strengthen response capacity.

Participants will also explore emerging research on school disaster preparedness, with special attention to how cultural values, perceptions, and beliefs influence preparedness planning and response.  Attendees will leave with practical considerations for strengthening preparedness plans, engaging stakeholders, and leading culturally responsive disaster preparedness initiatives in their schools.

Registration closes October 5, 2026 at 10:00am.