Recent events have taught us that all towns and cities need to be ready for anything, including natural disasters, terrorism, and disease. In light of this, the Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps has implemented a Disaster Preparedness Program. The MRC is comprised of a group of committed volunteers, with or without medical backgrounds, who keep their communities safe by responding to public health emergencies. This Disaster Preparedness Program was made possible by a federal grant and MRC volunteers were able to bring this program to the children of the Milford Youth Center. Youth were led in a discussion of what to do in an emergency and then participated in a fun “zombie survival game” that outlined the elements of survival in an emergency situation. Youth were also instructed to take home materials to family members and come up with strategic plans for emergencies. Upon completion, the kids were given survival backpacks, which included things like emergency blankets, MRE’s, purified water, flashlights, a first aid kit, glow sticks, emergency handbooks, and many other life prolonging gear. As an incentive, when youth finish completing emergency materials with their families and bring them back to the MYC they will also receive an emergency tent to add to their survival backpack. This was such a fun and unique event that the kids loved. We were fortunate to be able to offer this realistic and practical training to our youth. If you would like more information about this program, contact Mary Watson:twatson014@comcast.net