AmeriCorps Member Plans Disaster Prep Clinic at Heritage AAA

Public Health AmeriCorps member Kaylie Springer spoke about disaster preparedness to nearly 100 diners at Encore Café in November 2024.

“Another day, another disaster,” they say here in Iowa… OK not actually, but the fact that it’s believable is kind of the point. From seasonal tornados and blizzards to generational derechos and 500-year floods, natural disasters are just an unfortunate fact of life here in the Midwest.

According to FEMA, older adults who live alone are especially vulnerable during disasters. For the 30 percent of older Iowans who live by themselves, there may be added challenges like isolation, limited mobility and medical needs. The more these barriers stack up, the harder recovery becomes.

Disaster PrepWise – a program of the University of Iowa College of Public Health – launched in 2013 to assist older Iowans and their caregivers in disaster preparation. Participants create a personalized disaster management plan so they are better equipped before, during and after emergencies.

In recent years, Heritage Area Agency on Aging has partnered with Disaster PrepWise to host AmeriCorps members who are also students at the College of Public Health. The benefits are mutual: the members get hands-on experience serving older Iowans, while Heritage AAA consumers learn about PrepWise and can participate in the program.

Public Health AmeriCorps member Kaylie Springer is serving at Heritage AAA this academic year while she pursues a Master of Public Health degree at the University of Iowa. She has promoted disaster preparedness at community events, hosted a Disaster Prep BINGO game at low-income senior apartments, and presented to social groups at local churches.

In addition to more of these activities in the coming months, Springer is planning a Disaster PrepWise clinic for the spring.

“Attending the clinic will give participants the tools they need to feel confident and prepared in the face of any emergency,” said Springer. “By creating a personalized plan and identifying key contacts, everyone will leave knowing they are better equipped to handle whatever comes their way. As the saying goes, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.’ This clinic is a great opportunity for individuals to take proactive steps toward safety and peace of mind.”

The clinic is scheduled for Friday, April 4, from 11 am – 3 pm at Heritage AAA’s office. It is free to attend. The average session takes 1-2 hours, depending on the participant’s living situation and needs.

RSVP is encouraged, but not required. Walk-ins are welcome. Contact Kaylie Springer at 563-542-6886 or kaylie-springer@uiowa.edu.