In the face of disaster, Extension Disaster Education Network provides enduring support

Published or Revised: 11/6/2017 12:00:00 AM Author(s): Jaclyn Spence MOLINE, Ill. – Many areas throughout the country at some point will experience a disaster—manmade, natural or both. Once the news crews and emergency responders move on to the next crisis, communities often face the prospect of long-term recovery with few remaining resources. Just such a catastrophe occurred in 1993 when Mississippi and Missouri were ravaged by brutal flooding resulting in at least 32 deaths and billions of dollars of damage. The land-grant universities that responded to the disaster took stock of the experience and realized the important role Extension had—and will continue to have—in national and local disaster preparedness and recovery. By 1998, the Extension Disaster Education Network (EDEN) was formed. The organization partners with local, state and national agencies and by 2005, the entire nation, including three territories, had an EDEN member. University of Illinois Extension, a founding member of EDEN, currently has nine delegates across the state that participate in EDEN. In September, the University of Illinois Extension hosted the annual EDEN meeting in Moline, Illinois. Seventy-six delegates from land-grant universities the all across the United States, including six 1890 Institutions , attended this year’s conference. George Czpar , director of University of Illinois Extension, kicked off the event by welcoming everyone on behalf of the university. Carrie McKillip , University of Illinois Extension community and economic development educator, explained why EDEN has been essential in Illinois. “Extension is one of the few organizations that still has local offices throughout the state, even in the most rural areas. Our ability to deliver disaster preparedness, mitigation, and recovery education is crucial to community resiliency,” McKillip said. “Participation of field staff in professional development activities and networks such as EDEN not only enhances o…