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The Fellowship of the Shield was established to broaden and formalize a relationship with those who have an interest in learning more about disaster preparedness or who are willing to convey their interest and expertise to others.
Members are representatives from multiple professional groups, including health care professionals, law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, and others who can be recognized by virtue of their professional expertise or job training. Members receive special consideration for continuing education opportunities, as well as educational and training materials that can be used to teach others. Beginning in late October 2005, we introduced a monthly seminar series with expert panelists to explore topics such as the ramifications of Avian Flu Threat, Psychological First Aid: tools and tips for the non-mental health expert, and Advanced Communication Techniques. Copies of these presentations are available to Fellowship members.
Members of the group benefit from sharing and pooling knowledge and resources in the area emergency and disaster preparedness. We hope that by developing and supporting the Fellowship activities, professionals from varied disciplines who do not normally work together will be able to communicate more effectively and respond as a team in the event of a terrorist event or catastrophic public health emergency.
South Carolina AHEC will recognize Fellowship members at an induction ceremony and will encourage members to actively participate in future preparedness training activities. The most important role of the Fellowship will be to sustain a discussion between and among its diverse members regarding preparedness plans at the grassroots level.
If you are interested in participating or learning more about The Fellowship of the Shield, please
e-mail carsonds@musc.edu.ddddd
During the first year of the grant, it was decided that we needed a symbol or logo that would distinguish South Carolina AHEC DPRT Network activities and participants. The logo that evolved was based on a shield, a symbol of protection that contained other symbols within its quadrants. Within the quadrants were images that symbolized the State of South Carolina, biohazard, emergency response, and education. A red cross to signify medical relief efforts divided the quadrants and each arm of the red cross contained the name of one of the four AHEC regions. Within the center of the red cross was a handshake to symbolize the partnerships that South Carolina AHEC had forged to ensure success for reaching the DPRT Network goals and objectives. The shield was bordered by the South Carolina AHEC name and banner colors.
The logo is used for presentations, on printed material and even fashioned lapel pins to offer as special recognition for our team members and statewide partners. We began to refer to those who worked on our endeavors as members of the Fellowship of the Shield.
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