Minnesota Extension Disaster Education Network (and National EDEN Network)

John Shutske, Professor and Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist
Michele Schermann, Research Fellow
Debra Ehret-Miller, Research Assistant
Extension Service Team including:
Gwen Gmeinder, Dean’s Office
Jayne Hager-Dee, Regional Director
Nathan Johnson, Regional Director
Ellie McCann, Family Relations Specialist
Joyce Hoelting, Assistant Capacity Area Leader
Mary Laeger-Hagemeister, CV, REE
Karen Lilley, Communications
Trudy Dunham, Center for 4-H and Youth Development
Ricky Abrahamson, County Extension Educator
Vince Crary, County Extension Educator
Will Yliniemi, County Extension Educator
Clark Montgomery, Area Program Leader
Tim Arlt, Area Program Leader
Renee Pardello, Area Program Leader
Aimee Viniard-Weideman, Communications
Debbie Newman, Info-U

Objective

Create an Extension-based educational programming network at local, regional, and state levels to help Minnesota communities respond effectively to natural and man-made disasters.

Need or Impact

The University of Minnesota Extension Service lacks a comprehensive and systematic mechanism to respond effectively to disasters and emergencies such as floods, agricultural crop/livestock disease outbreaks, and terrorist attacks. A three-part system is being developed to help the Minnesota Extension Service provide research-based technical education and information related to emergency and disaster preparedness and response. The system includes new educational programs, a protocol to deliver time-sensitive information via the web and mass media (print and electronic), and the creation of relationships and interconnections with state and local government, first responders, and private industry. The MN-EDEN model builds on the successful National EDEN network which has been active since 1993 and is now operational in 49 states.

Status

A multi-disciplinary team has been created that includes subject matter expertise within agriculture, natural resources, community vitality, youth, and family development. The team will begin working on specific educational programs in early 2006.