Geauga County hosted a three-day crisis response training led by the National Organization for Victim Advocacy. The training was conducted October 28th through October 30th, with 30 participants filling the class.
It brings together local public safety, behavioral health, and victim-service agencies to strengthen support for people affected by traumatic events. Kellie Portman, NOVA’s associate director of crisis response, led the training.
Upon completing the training, participants will be certified to join national, state, and local crisis response teams. NOVA prepares people to provide immediate, trauma-informed emotional support and psychological first aid after critical incidents. The training encompasses helping individuals to supporting large groups of the ”Walking Worried” in the aftermath of disasters.
“Strong crisis response depends on trained people who can work together and help those affected feel supported,” said Tracy Jordan, crisis response director for the Geauga County Sheriff’s Office. “This training gives agencies across our community a chance to build shared skills and strengthen the support available to individuals, families and communities after a crisis.”
The training emphasizes practical skills like establishing safety and security, helping people ventilate and validate their reactions, predicting and preparing for what comes next, educating communities about common trauma responses, and connecting people to longer-term resources, according to the release.
The Geauga County Crisis Response Team is a multidisciplinary unit that coordinates support following traumatic events affecting individuals, families, organizations, or the community. Team members connect those affected with appropriate support and resources.
The Geauga County CRT meets quarterly to strengthen partnerships, coordinate readiness and further develop its response skills. This NOVA training will strengthen the skills of the Geauga County CRT and other local participants, helping them work together more effectively during a crisis.
Grant funding from the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health supports this effort and enables Geauga County to send participants to the training. Friends of the Geauga LOSS Team is also supporting volunteer participation.
Christine Lakomiak, Executive Director of the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, said having the opportunity to officially train more than 30 additional members of the crisis response team in NOVA is a significant step forward for Geauga County.
”After several of our team leaders completed training two years ago, this opportunity expands our ability to provide compassionate, skilled support when our community faces trauma,” Lakomiak said. ”We are deeply grateful to the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health and the Governor’s office for bringing this training here and investing in our readiness. This strengthens our whole community’s capacity to respond with care, connection and hope.”
