(2011)

FUNDED BY USAID/OFDA (US$30,000)

In 2011 USAID funds allowed the BRC to strengthen and improve four community centers in Rancho Dolores, Flowers Bank, May Pen, and Lemonal through renovations. These centers are also used as hurricane shelters. At least 2 of these communities also received radios to improve their communication system, one also received a new generator and another received water tanks and pump.

In October, 2012, Belize Red Cross Society in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), through the technical support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the kind financing of the Canadian International Development Agency, conducted a work shop on “Emergency Operating Centre” for the Ministry of Health and other health Agencies. BRC Facilitator, certified by the Regional Reference Centre for Disaster Preparedness located in El Salvador, was acquired to work along with partners from BRC and IFRC facilitating the training. There were 18 participants from the Health Sector and the Belize Red Cross, 11 females and 7 males, who are directly involved in response to disasters. This activity was organized with the purpose of strengthening the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) of health institutions to respond to public health consequences/emergencies during and after a disaster.