EDUCATION &TECHNICAL ASSITANCE
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Communications in Emergencies: Strengthening Your Clinic's Readiness
July 23, 2026
Thursday 12:00pm - 1:00pm PST
Effective communication is one of the most critical elements in any emergency. For health centers serving vulnerable and rural populations, communication challenges are often compounded by limited resources and complex patient needs. This session will provide practical strategies to strengthen communication before, during, and after emergencies, tailored for Community Health Centers and clinics.
Participants will explore three key aspects of emergency communications:
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Technical: Understanding reliable tools and systems to ensure message delivery when traditional methods fail.
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Operational: What staff need to know, when, and how to maintain continuity of care.
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Public-Facing: How to communicate effectively with patients, partners, and external stakeholders to build trust and reduce confusion.
By the end of this session, participants will have a clear framework and practical tips to improve their clinic’s communication readiness - regardless of size, location, or budget.

Speaker Bio
Edward Colson is the owner of Ready Northwest, based out of Portland, Oregon. He has worked in emergency management since 2016, assisting healthcare partners with emergency management and preparedness needs, including planning, training, and exercises. His experience includes emergency management work with public health emergency preparedness, federally qualified health centers in Oregon and Washington, hospice agencies, and ambulatory surgery centers. He also serves as Chair of the West Coast Chapter and as a Fellow of the Institute of Strategic Risk Management.
This page was updated on 6.30.26
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