CNMI strengthened through disaster response training

Strengthening community resilience, the recently concluded Disaster Response Advanced First Aid Basic Disaster First Aid training initiative has left a profound and lasting impact across the Commonwealth, bolstering community resilience in the face of anticipated increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters.

This collaborative effort between CNMI Homeland Security Emergency Management, CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the Northern Marianas College’s Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services-Family, Community, and Youth Development program has significantly elevated disaster preparedness throughout the region.

DRAFA is a comprehensive community-based disaster preparedness and response training program, emphasizing preparation, prevention, assessment, and self-treatment of illnesses and injuries. Participants engaged in an immersive learning experience, encompassing lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, fostering leadership, teamwork, and proficiency in addressing injury scenarios and trauma.

“We appreciate the collaborative partnerships with HSEM and DFEMS as certified instructors who bring DRAFA training to our islands,” NMC-CREES interim dean Patricia Coleman said. “NMC-CREES FCYD is addressing disaster preparedness through building local capacity which is a critical issue for our islands.”

The training had a total of 71 participants from Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Attendees included administrators, faculty, and support staff from Kagman High School, alongside representatives from various essential sectors including Tinian Department of Public Works, sectors including the Tinian and Rota Departments of Public Works, the Tinian Mayor’s Office, the Tinian and Rota Commonwealth Utilities Corp., the Tinian and Rota Departments of Public Safety, and the Tinian Division of Fish and Wildlife. Additionally, participants included representatives from the Rota Departments of Community and Cultural Affairs and Lands and Natural Resources, along with members of the Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Service.

Steven Aguon, a DRAFA certified instructor and Community Emergency Response Team coordinator for CNMI HSEM, encouraged adult community members to participate, emphasizing, “It’s better to know and not need than to need and not know.”

Benjamin M. Jones Jr., principal of Kagman High School, emphasized the valuable nature of DRAFA training, stating, “The DRAFA Training has afforded our Kagman High School staff a valuable opportunity to acquire essential skills necessary for adept disaster response within our campus premises.” For more information about the DRAFA program, contact NMC-CREES FCYD state program leader Tayna C. Belyeu-Camacho at tayna.belyeu-camacho@marianas.edu. (NMC)