UNO EMDS Students Discover the Global Health Security Center at UNMC
Thanks to instructor Reyna Reyes-Nunez, UNO EMDS students experienced a first hand look at a world-class health safety and emergencies facility.
OMAHA, NEBRASKA - Students from the UNO’s Emergency Management (EMGT1000) course had an eye-opening experience during their recent visit to the Global Health Security Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The trip provided a firsthand look at critical aspects of health security preparedness and response, highlighting the center's pivotal role during major health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The visit included a tour of the quarantine unit, where the first Americans suspected of COVID-19 arrived after being evacuated from a cruise ship. The students were also introduced to the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, where vital tabletop exercises and coordination efforts for responses to health emergencies take place.
Multiple partners coordinate in these exercises, including the Department of Defense, the CDC, fire services and other agencies. Notably, an alumnus of the EMGT program is actively involved in operations at the center, underscoring the impact of academic training in real-world crisis response.
"The students were amazed by the scale and complexity of operations," remarked instructor Reyna Reyes-Nunez, who accompanied the students. "It's one thing to learn about emergency management in the classroom, but witnessing it in action at a world-class facility like this is truly inspiring."
According to Reyes-Nunez, the students got a sneak peak of a real-time simulation involving a group of soldiers clad in personal protective equipment (PPE), undergoing training exercises. They also delved into the intricacies of activation protocols used during past outbreaks like Ebola and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and learned about the latest technology for preparedness and response against health security.
"We have a world-class facility in Omaha as part of the NU system. We are thankful to be able to experience it, and will be featuring it in upcoming classes and projects," she said.
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An EMDS student experiences a 3D simulation of a surgery at UNMC's Global Health Security Center, spring semester 2024. |
