MRC to Host Active Shooter Preparedness Program on December 14th

MRC to Host Active Shooter Preparedness

Programs on December 14th

‘You Are the Help Until Help Arrives’ video presentation also to be shown

Poughkeepsie … The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) of Dutchess County will offer two free programs on Active Shooter Preparedness on Thursday, December 14th, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Poughkeepsie Library District’s Boardman Road Branch Library, located at 141 Boardman Road in Poughkeepsie. A video presentation of “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives,” which explains how residents should respond to a life-threatening situation, will also be shown. The trainings are free and open to the public. In light of recent events, interest in the trainings has been high, and seating is limited; reservations are required.

Both programs will be presented by Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff Arthur Hart and will focus on how the average citizen should respond if an active shooter is in their vicinity, how to best protect themselves depending on the scenario, and what to expect when law enforcement arrives.

The accompanying video presentation, “You Are the Help Until Help Arrives” explains what simple, immediate actions residents can take to possibly save a life before first responders arrive on the scene.

“While we hope residents will never have to use the information presented, it’s important we prepare ourselves and our community for any type of emergency situation,” Dutchess County Sheriff Adrian H. Anderson said.

The Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County is part of a national network of more than 200,000 volunteers dedicated to supporting public health infrastructure as well as disaster preparedness and response in the community. Comprised of both healthcare and non-healthcare volunteers, the MRC of Dutchess County is part of a national network of volunteers dedicated to supporting public health infrastructure as well as disaster preparedness and response in the community. New members are always welcome.

“The Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County and its volunteer members support the County’s departments of Emergency Response and Behavioral & Community Health, and are valuable components of our plans when responding to incidents of all kinds,” said A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH, Commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health. “Trainings like this can play a vital role in teaching our residents how to remain safe in the event of an emergency.”

Demand for this training from the public has been high, and seating is limited. Those who wish to attend either presentation must pre-register. To reserve a seat at either the 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. training, please contact MRC Coordinator Joe Ryan at jryan@dutchessny.gov or (845) 486-2493.