RAPID RESPONSE TEAM FOR DISASTER RELIEF

WHEREAS, our country has experienced recent catastrophic natural disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, droughts, wildfires and tornadoes, and there is consensus in the scientific community that the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events will continue to get worse; and

WHEREAS, these natural disasters result in loss of life and widespread human suffering, as well as in massive destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, businesses and public infrastructure, including electric power grids and safe water supplies; and

WHEREAS, the effects of these events are made worse by declining government investment in public health, infrastructure such as roads and bridges, and emergency preparedness planning; and

WHEREAS, these events have an especially devastating impact on resource-poor communities without adequate healthcare and public infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, AFT Nurses and Health Professionals wants to respond and provide critically needed healthcare and public health services following natural disasters:

RESOLVED, that AFT Nurses and Health Professionals will develop lists of and help recruit members who want to be part of rapid response teams to assist when natural or other disasters occur, either in the immediate aftermath or as part of ongoing recovery efforts; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers will partner with nonprofit organizations with the appropriate expertise, programmatic experience, infrastructure and local connections to enable AFT Nurses and Health Professionals rapid response team members to provide safe and effective care where needed; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will work to ensure rapid response team members receive training and support for their volunteer efforts; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will supplement the training as needed, including training on health and safety protections and psychological first aid, and the AFT will provide referrals for follow-up services needed for volunteers; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will call for appropriate public investment in public health programs and emergency response planning for all U.S. states and territories, in preparation for extreme weather events.