In a big win for community preparedness, thousands of personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies were recently handed over to Tennessee's volunteer emergency response programs, thanks to the coordination of Volunteer Tennessee and the generosity of Priority OnDemand. The critical donation came loaded with gear for Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units, and Disaster Animal Response Teams (DART), these supplies are set to beef up the training and emergency response capabilities across the state.

"This generous donation will assist our volunteers as they train for future disasters or other emergencies that may affect our neighbors in Tennessee," Don Sowers, Volunteer Tennessee’s disaster volunteer services manager, said leading the charge alongside Carlene Sifford of Priority OnDemand. Passed from hand to hand, the PPE will ensure local heroes are better equipped than ever. But the work wouldn't be done without further logistical support, notably from Brandon Ward, the director of the Tennessee Department of Health - Office of EMS.

Founding their roots in Knoxville in 2013, Priority OnDemand, originally named Priority Ambulance, has since spread its services across fourteen states. Bryan Gibson, chief executive officer of Priority OnDemand, underscored their commitment to the community, stating, "We are honored to partner with Volunteer Tennessee in contributing to our home state’s resilience during emergencies," as reported by Volunteer Tennessee’s website.

Sowers didn't miss the chance to express how much such contributions mean to the volunteers, with around 17,000 registered across 13 MRC units statewide. Squaring up to the challenges posed by natural and man-made disasters, these volunteers form a robust network dedicated to the health and safety of Tennessee's citizens. "On behalf of Volunteer Tennessee and local CERT, MRC, and DART programs, we each greatly appreciate these generous donations from Priority OnDemand supporting Tennessee’s excellent volunteer programs," Sowers said. Designed to be robust, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture also hoops into the ring by coordinating credentialed responders and volunteers for Disaster Animal Response Teams (DART) as part of the preparedness plan for animal-related emergencies.

Volunteer Tennessee serves as the state's flagship for galvanizing volunteerism and community service, bridging gaps, and strengthening the volunteer sector's sustainability. Seeking further information on how you can contribute or join a CERT program in Tennessee? You're encouraged to shoot an email to [email protected] or visit their website by clicking here.