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Volunteer Crisis Resource Team (VCRT): Extracurricular Bridge to Service Learning Curriculum

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 .

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Volunteer Crisis Resource Team (VCRT): Extracurricular Bridge to Service Learning Curriculum

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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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 J. Tortorici Luna, Ph.D. 06/10

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