Mesa-based Copa Health recently announces the 11th Annual Emergency Preparedness Conference Focusing on Vulnerable Populations, slated for September 5 at the SkySong Conference Center in Scottsdale. The theme of the free conference is "Cyber Security & Operational Resilience." Each year, the conference delivers an engaging and informative experience, bringing together over 175 individuals, service providers, professionals and experts from diverse backgrounds.
"This conference is crucial for fostering a resilient community focusing specifically on the needs of vulnerable populations," said Norm Duve, Vice President of Community Relations at Copa Health. "By bringing together, year in and year out, experts from various fields, we aim to equip our attendees with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively respond to emergencies and safeguard their organizations that deal with children, seniors, developmental and intellectually delayed, mentally ill and the homeless."
Attendees will experience a variety of sessions, including a special panel featuring Dr. Shar Najafi-Piper, CEO of Copa Health, and Tad Gary, CEO of Mercy Care. Attendees will also see a comprehensive cybersecurity panel featuring experts from the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and the FBI. Sessions will delve into real-world scenarios and provide practical insights to enhance cyber awareness and operational resilience.
"In today's digital age, understanding and mitigating cyber threats to the populations that are most vulnerable is more important than ever," said Jeff Bayer, Community Relations Coordinator at Copa Health. "Our panel discussions will provide practical insights and real-world scenarios to enhance cyber awareness and operational resilience."
The 11th annual conference will also feature panels and sessions covering topics including Communications in Emergent Situations, Cyber Threats to Major Systems and Recruiting for Disaster Response. Interactive presentations, including "Stop the Bleed" by EMS Captain Nick Pajic of the Scottsdale Fire Department will offer hands-on training and practical advice.
"Our goal is to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing among professionals who play a critical role in emergency preparedness and response," offered Jon Scott Williams, Executive Director of Fellowship Square and Copa Health Board Member. "This conference is an excellent opportunity to network, learn, and strengthen our collective resilience."
The event is designed to be inclusive and informative, serving the local community and extending efforts to other potentially vulnerable communities throughout Arizona. Copa Health has made significant strides in increasing the participation of nonprofits and healthcare agencies in recent years, ensuring that stakeholders working with vulnerable populations are well-represented.
The conference will be held on September 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sky Song Conference Center, located at 1365 N. Scottsdale Blvd., building 3, in Scottsdale. Admission is free and includes lunch. Registration and a lineup of speakers for the conference is available on Eventbrite.
