Developing VOAD

The Franklin County Department of Emergency Services and the Franklin County Chapter of the American Red Cross are bringing together non-profit, volunteer and faith based organizations to form a local Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters group or VOAD .

There is a national VOAD and a state/regional VOAD. There are very few local VOAD groups. The purpose of such a group will allow all of the above mentioned organizations to come together and create strategies to collaborate with each other and county government during times of local and/or national declared disasters.

This will be an ongoing opportunity to understanding each organization role and function within the community, create new partnerships and receive training. An inaugural meeting has been scheduled for Friday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the Courthouse Annex Building 218 N. 2nd Street in Chambersburg.

You and/or representatives of your organization are invited to attend. Recruitment will be ongoing so that during a significant event the community can count on the best services to be provided. If you are interested in attending the VOAD meeting or would like additional information please call either John Hopkins Operations Training officer for the Franklin County Department of Emergency Services at 717-264-2813, e-mail jwhopkins@ co.franklin.pa.us or you may contact me at (717) 264- 6214, e-mail awhite@franklinredcross. org by Feb. 13.
Allen A. White Jr.
Emergency Services Director
Franklin County American
Red Cross