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Public Health awards Community Champion in emergency management

Riverside County EMD Service Vehicle

March 27, 2018

Floyd Velasquez, with the Morongo Band of Mission of Indians, was named a Public Health Community Champion during the Board of Supervisors Meeting on March 27.

Velasquez is both a steadfast proponent of emergency preparedness and planning efforts, as well as an advocate for emergency management within tribal governments. As the Disaster Preparedness Manager for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, including enrolled tribal member and elder, Velasquez regularly partners with county departments to create a safer, more resilient Riverside County. 

The County of Riverside Emergency Management Department (EMD) and Riverside University Health System-Public Health collaborate with Velasquez on the development, training and exercise of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians Closed Point of Dispensing (POD) Plan. The Tribe’s Closed POD Plan impressively covers up to 90,000 community members – from tribe members to casino visitors and outlet shoppers. This plan is an ideal example of our collaborative efforts to provide lifesaving medications in the event of a public health emergency. 

In addition, Velasquez joins EMD personnel to routinely presents best practices and the collaboration between county and tribal government during conferences. Furthermore, Velasquez facilitates the Southern California Tribal Emergency Managers Group, which gathers tribal governments in Riverside County to prepare for emergencies and disasters.

EMD is extremely grateful for the collaborative work Velasquez consistently performs in emergency management. Congratulations, Floyd!