J. Tortorici Luna, Ph.D. 06/10 A Service Learning Innovation for Campus and Community Emergency Preparedness and Response California State University, Long Beach J. Tortorici Luna, PhD, PSY#22516 Associate Professor, CSULB Emergency Services Administration M.S. Program Faculty

J. Tortorici Luna, Ph.D. 06/10 Volunteer Crisis Resource Team (VCRT): Extracurricular Bridge to Service Learning Curriculum Began as CSULB extracurricular project of Campus Climate Committee in 2001 Grew out of post- 9/11 involvement with NYC recovery efforts with NYC Chancellor’s Office, NYC schools, and NY Archdiocese re: need for increased self-sufficiency of campuses during and after disasters Developed into joint project of CSULB Police, Counseling & Psychological Services, and Student Services, with support from Provost’s Office Campus-wide call yielded 200+ faculty & staff volunteers Applicants screened, then trained in mid-size groups

J. Tortorici Luna, Ph.D. 06/10 VCRT Volunteers trained in basic disaster mental health /acute stress management: 2-day training built on expansion of CERT Disaster Psychology module Part of CSULB Incident Command System Ongoing in-person follow-up training, live skills drills (i.e., evacuation; active shooter) and virtual discussions via VCRT BeachBoard website

J. Tortorici Luna, Ph.D. 06/10 VCRT Composed entirely of faculty and staff Much turnover due to retirements, etc. Have ongoing recruitment efforts Stable at about 40 members Helps to identify needs for community mutual aid agreements, campus refinement of Incident Command System, identification of campus first response capabilities

J. Tortorici Luna, Ph.D. 06/10 Identified Need: Student Involvement in Campus/Community Emergency Preparedness and Response CSULB has about 600+ CERT members Some campuses have begun to offer CERT training as university courses VCRT encourages cross-training in CERT Next step: student-staff; campus- community collaboration in all-hazard preparedness and response through service learning

J. Tortorici Luna, Ph.D. 06/10 EMER 405/505 – Campus and Community Volunteer Emergency Response: Institutionalizes VCRT as service learning course and adds student component to team Offered as elective through EMER and CRIM Includes VCRT and CERT education 20 hours of CERT-partnered community service Qualified students eligible as campus and community first responders Mutual benefit/exchange between campus and community

J. Tortorici Luna, Ph.D. 06/10 Planning for the Future Ongoing, increased collaboration with community organizations for pre-incident planning and response Planning study to identify campus resources (students, staff, faculty) and willingness to participate in emergency response Incorporate information and resources into campus emergency plan and practice