APD > News & Reports > Media Advisory

Health Planning Council of SW Florida and Governor’s Task Force on Disability To Host Disaster Planning Conference

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Health Planning Council of SW Florida (HPCSWFL) and the Governor’s Task Force on Disability will be hosting the Persons with Disabilities Disaster Planning Conference on June 27, 2008. The event will take place at the Three Oaks Banquet and Conference Center in Estero, FL, and will open at 8:30 am and conclude at 4:00 pm.

This conference will provide important information for individuals with disabilities and their families regarding how to best prepare for disasters. It is open to all interested parties, including families and service providers, and there is no cost for the event. Exhibit space is also available at no cost, but space is limited.

Two keynote speakers will appear at the Disaster Planning Conference: Chip Wilson, Disabilities Coordinator for the Florida Department of Emergency Management, and Cindy Lou Daniels of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Three panel discussions have been scheduled, featuring panelists such as Fox 4 Meteorologist Tom Johnston, as well as representatives of the Florida Department of Finance, Florida Department of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, the Lee County Sheriff’s office, Lee Memorial Health Systems, Lee County Human Services, Florida Power and Light and the Salvation Army. A light breakfast, lunch, snacks, and door prizes will be available.

The Disaster Planning Conference is jointly sponsored by The Family Cafe, a Florida-based non-profit that connects individuals with disabilities and their families with information and resources state-wide, and WellCare, a leading provider of managed care services dedicated to government-sponsored healthcare programs headquartered in Tampa.

The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. (HPCSWF) plans for the health care needs of the residents of seven southwest Florida counties. HPCSWF, through its Board of Directors, brings together interested consumers, providers and purchasers of health services in a neutral setting to collaborate on developing and implementing plans and programs to improve the health care system for the area. HPCSWF has a partnership with public health departments, community health centers, state agencies, providers and consumers. HPCSWF provides health statistics and reports through quantitative data gathering, data analysis, implementing focus groups and facilitating community meetings. HPCSWF's philosophy maintains that policies relevant to residents of Southwest Florida can best be attained through participatory processes.

For more information regarding the Persons with Disabilities Disaster Planning Conference, please contact HPCSWF Director Susan Barrows at (239) 433-6700.