Welcome

If this is your first time receiving our newsletter, we welcome you! This newsletter provides resources and information on preparing and planning for public health emergencies with a focus on the Disability, Access, and Functional Needs (DAFN) community.

DAFN Team

Left to right: Annerose Penalba (she/her) is an Asian woman with brown medium length hair wearing a black and grey sweater. Kim Vuong (she/her) is an Asian woman with a black pixie cut wearing a black jacket. McKenzie Stribich (she/her) is a white woman with brown curly hair wearing a red long sleeve shirt. Esme Garcia (she/her) is a Latina woman with brown skin, dark brown curly hair wearing a black zipped up jacket. Saturne Sam (she/her) is an Asian woman with long black hair wearing a red long sleeve shirt.

July is Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. Why July? It marks the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), landmark legislation that broke down barriers to inclusion in society. 

People with disabilities deserve to live full, self-determined lives, just like everyone else. Yet discrimination persists for the 1 in 4 U.S. adults living with a disability. That’s why we spotlight inspiring stories in July and beyond that show what’s possible with inclusion. 

Our team strives to honor Disability Pride Month by making sure those with disabilities are at the table and part of the conversation during the public health emergency planning process.

Long Beach Disability Pride

Friday, July 26th at 5pm - 7 pm

Celebrating Long Beach's diverse disability community all day, every day. 

*Parking is FREE the first two hours at the parking structure directly behind Harvey Milk Promenade Park

Download Flyer Here

Emergency Preparedness for Organizations: Ensuring Everyone's Safety (FREE Webinar)

Wednesday, July 17th at 10am - 10:45am

Connect Consulting Services explores essential emergency management strategies tailored to the disability population during crises. As we commemorate 'Disability Pride Month' in July, we emphasize the importance of inclusive and resilient practices.

Learn more about the sight-impaired Disability Diplomat Donna Mack to uncover effective approaches, accessibility considerations, and empowering solutions for safeguarding the disability community during emergencies. Acquire actionable insights to strengthen preparedness and promote inclusivity in times of adversity.

Saturday Speaker Series: A Sensational World: Basics on Sensory Processing (via Zoom)

Saturday, July 27th at 10am - 12pm

Harbor Regional Center presents the Saturday Speaker Series offers presentations that cover topics that are relevant to all of our families and service providers. They are presented by Harbor Regional Center staff who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in their areas of expertise. Presentations are scheduled on Saturday mornings for the convenience of families and service providers. Participants will have the opportunity to view the presentation and ask questions. 

Please contact Claudia Sandoval at claudia.sandoval@harborrc.org about upcoming topics and to receive Zoom meeting details.  

Download Flyer Here (ENG/SPA)

This week, temperatures are expected to hit triple digits in parts of California. Older adults, children under four, people with existing medical conditions, and those without access to air conditioning are most at risk for extreme heat and heat-related illnesses. Here’s a list of trusted resources to keep you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and cool this week and throughout the summer. Please share these resources with your family, friends, and communities.

Cooling Centers Are Open And Operating During Regular Hours.

If the sun is making it hard to get through the day, then come enjoy the cool air conditioning at several Long Beach Community Centers. The following is a list of community centers near you that will offer a cool place to stay during center hours. Some centers may be opened after hours on an emergency basis.

Stay Cool This Summer

A cooling center is a special place where you can go when it's very hot outside and you need to cool down. Check out some of the places you can visit!

Download Coloring Sheet Here

Additional Resources:

🌡️It's hot out there! Be sure to stay hydrated and cool to avoid heat exhaustion. Know the signs so you can take action.💪☀️ 

To learn more, visit https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/index.html

#BeatTheHeatLB

The DAFN team has hosted several successful “Lunch and Learns” to strengthen our PHEM team’s knowledge on accessible and equitable emergency planning and response. If you would like to present during our Lunch and Learns, please complete the linked form below. 

In case you missed last month's newsletter, click the button below!

Visit longbeach.gov/dafn or email he-dafn@longbeach.gov

Connect with us @lbhealthdept