2^nd Annual Regional Preparedness Conference

State of Wisconsin Response Group Meeting

Representatives from various Tribes in Wisconsin had opportunity to discuss the issues with State representatives and GLITC emergency preparedness team. The discussion focused on various challenges, funding issues, staff shortage, outside political pressures as well as cultural and geographical issues.

Interests were expressed for various ideas presented during the conference. Briefly Tribes want to explore more about improvement in communication technology, involvement of all tribal departments in dealing with chemical or radiological hazards and more expansion of a public health role. Also the conference helped in self evaluation and more clear definitions of the current status and to set priorities.

To enhance emergency management and planning, following items were identified based on various presentations given during the conference:

1) Improved and functional communication systems

2) Community networking : 211 phone system

3) Mutual understanding between the State and opportunities for more discussion

4) Enhancing inter-tribal and local partnerships

5) Identification of similar problems that other tribes also face and finding the solution as team effort

6) Incorporation of regional tribal teams and citizens corps program

7) Effective and independent decision making

8) Organizing tribal volunteers.

To have a sustainable emergency management following items were identified as priorities and need to happen:

1) Tribal leadership involvement

2) Recognization of specific tribal population groups and needs: Mental Health, children and elderly.

3) Need to create more workforce and trained staff

4) Building more partnerships

5) Enforcing the current infrastructure in fire, safety and management.