SESSION DESCRIPTION

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This presentation will discuss lessons learned from the 2021 Texas winter storm, which paralyzed the state for seven days. For one eighteen-hour period, the Ascension, Texas Healthcare Ministry encountered every major disaster event experienced in the preceding five years. This presentation will discuss the implications and impact of an extended major disaster upon a hospital system. The discussion will cover the initial response to the winter weather event, activation of emergency plans, day-to-day hospital operations during the event, and safely returning the hospital system to normal operations. 

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About the Presenters:

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Donald H. Denson II, MS, BS, CHEP, CHSP

Donald Denson served 14 years in the United States Army and is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his military career, Donald worked in numerous disaster response roles during hurricanes, wildfires, and other natural disasters. As Regional Emergency Management Officer (REMO) for Medxcel, Donald manages emergency planning and response for 15 hospitals and more than 100 off-site facilities in Texas, Maryland, New York, and Washington D.C. Healthcare Ministries.  

Donald Denson earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety and Emergency Management and a Master’s degree in Executive Fire Science, emphasizing disaster management, from Grand Canyon University. Donald earned a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety and Health from Columbia Southern University. His certifications include CHEP and CHSP.

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Stacey Voliva, CHEP, CHEC, CHSP

From tornados to floods, Stacy has managed response to numerous natural disasters, coordinating search and rescue, damage assessment, volunteer management and recovery planning. In his current role as Regional Emergency Management Officer (REMO) for Medxcel, Stacy manages emergency planning and response for 26 hospitals and more than 200 off-site facilities in Indiana.  

A Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt instructor, Stacy is a frequent industry speaker and trainer in various emergency management disciplines including hospital evacuations, active shooter scenarios, incident command systems, SALT triage, BDLS, ADLS, Hazardous Materials response, and more. Stacy also works with faith-based organizations to train members, community leaders and emergency responders for disaster response. 

A former paramedic and EMS chief, Stacy earned a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management at the Columbia Southern University, where he’s now pursuing a master’s in Healthcare Administration. His certifications include National Registry Paramedic, CHEC, CHEP 5, CHSP and many more. 

Stacy has been appointed to The Joint Commission Emergency Preparedness Standards Review Panel and speaks around the country on topics such as Emergency Preparedness, Planning, Logistics, and Decon Operations in the healthcare setting. 

 

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