As we close out Season 4, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the stories, lessons, and voices that shaped this chapter of the podcast. From K9 units and search-and-rescue teams to disaster mental health professionals and 911 dispatchers, this season highlighted the many roles that come together before, during, and after emergencies.

Thank you for joining us throughout Season 4 and for supporting the people and partnerships that make emergency management possible. The next season starter will be out soon!

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

When the Joplin tornado tore through southwest Missouri, 911 dispatchers became a critical lifeline in the middle of chaos.

In this episode, April Ford shares her firsthand experience working behind the headset during one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. From managing her team in Jasper County with overwhelming call volumes to carrying the emotional weight of voices in crisis, April offers an inside look at the unseen role dispatchers play during disasters. Learn about her experience and recovery process in the second part of our mental health series.

Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma: https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: https://stopthethreatstopthestigma.org/

National Association of EMS Physicians: https://naemsp.org/2023-2-1-ems-burnout-and-mental-health/

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management

Disasters don’t end when the immediate danger passes.

In this episode, we explore how Missouri plans for and delivers mental health support in the aftermath of crises. We’re joined by Beckie Gierer with the Office of Disaster Services to discuss disaster mental health preparedness, Psychological First Aid training, and the statewide Crisis Counseling Program, Show-Me Hope. Learn how these services help survivors, first responders, and communities understand their reactions, reduce stress, and begin the long process of recovery, because healing after a disaster is just as important as response.

Missouri Office of Disaster Services: https://dmh.mo.gov/disaster-services

ShowMe Hope: https://www.moshowmehope.org/

Don’t forget to click the subscribe button. Also, you can stay in touch with us via social media to remain HometownREADY and, as always, BE AWARE and TAKE CARE!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpringfieldGreeneOEM
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/gcoem
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gc_oem/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GreeneCountyOEM
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gcoem/mycompany/

Website: Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management