Leveraging PA 211 for Disaster Response and Community Recovery: Insights from the 2024 KEMA Conference
Earlier this week, Emily Aubele, Vice President of PA 211, delivered a compelling presentation at the Keystone Emergency Management Association (KEMA) conference. The presentation was titled “Leveraging PA 211 for Disaster Response and Community Recovery.” The session highlighted PA 211’s integral role in providing essential services and support during emergencies, from natural disasters to public health crises.
Aubele began by outlining PA 211’s mission to connect Pennsylvanians to vital services, emphasizing its broad reach and the trust it has earned through collaboration with 11,119 agencies, 34,890 programs, and 21,427 service sites. In 2023 alone, PA 211 processed over 900,000 website searches, 252,268 calls, and provided critical services such as housing, healthcare, mental health support, and utility assistance.
A key aspect of the presentation was the description of PA 211’s specialized capabilities during disaster response. The organization’s trauma-trained staff, who are embedded within local communities, play a crucial role in supporting survivors by directing them to vetted agencies and resources. PA 211 ensures seamless communication between survivors and service providers, leveraging a variety of technologies that integrate with emergency response systems.
One of the standout features presented was the “Survivor Connect” program. This innovative system allows survivors to register their recovery needs confidentially and then share their consent to be contacted by appropriate service agencies. The system efficiently connects non-identified survivors to the necessary resources, streamlining the recovery process and ensuring that no individual is left behind during disaster recovery.
Emily Aubele concluded by reiterating the value PA 211 brings to disaster management. By positioning themselves as a trusted community resource, PA 211 is able to provide vital connections and support, helping Pennsylvanians recover and rebuild after disasters. The presentation left a clear message: PA 211 is not only about connecting individuals to services but also about fostering resilience and recovery in times of crisis.
This session demonstrated the importance of PA 211 in the emergency management landscape and showcased the pivotal role the organization plays in ensuring community recovery after disasters.