EMSC and PPN Patient, Youth, Family, and Community Engagement Learning Network

Apply here to join the learning network. Click here to see our recruitment flyer. 

Strong partnerships between healthcare systems, families, and community organizations are essential to improving outcomes for children during emergencies and disasters. Effective preparedness requires collaboration across the entire care continuum, from families and youth to healthcare institutions, public health agencies, and community partners.

This community-based learning experience brings together families, patients, youth, clinicians, and organizational leaders to build a shared culture of preparedness and collaboration. Participants will explore practical strategies for engaging families and communities in pediatric preparedness efforts and strengthening partnerships that support coordinated emergency and disaster response.

Through discussion, shared experiences, and collaborative learning, participants will help shape approaches that ensure preparedness initiatives reflect the needs, priorities, and lived experiences of the communities they serve.

What You Will Learn

By participating in this community, learners will be able to:

1. Describe the role of families, youth, patients, and community organizations in pediatric emergency and disaster preparedness.

2. Identify strategies for building effective partnerships between healthcare institutions and communities.

3. Apply approaches for engaging families and communities in preparedness planning, response, and recovery efforts.

4. Recognize the value of lived experience and community perspectives in improving emergency and disaster care for children.

5. Support domain leaders in developing collaborative approaches that strengthen community engagement in pediatric preparedness.

Apply to join the Learning Network here.