POTSDAM — A free, full-day Extreme Weather and Health Workshop will be held Wednesday, June 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at SUNY Potsdam’s Knowles Hall. Hosted by the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, the event is open to the public and aims to improve community awareness and preparedness for extreme weather events and related health risks.

The event will bring together residents, educators, emergency responders, and local leaders for a day of interactive learning focused on staying safe during severe weather such as heatwaves, flooding, and storms. Registration is free but limited to 100 participants. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m.

Sessions throughout the day will address a range of weather-related public health topics. Dr. Augusta Williams, ScD, MPH, Assistant Professor at SUNY Upstate Medical University, will present on the public health effects of extreme weather and climate-related health risks.

Dr. Jessica C. Scillieri-Smith, DVM, Field Veterinarian with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will lead a session on the St. Lawrence County Animal Response Team (CART) and the importance of animal preparedness during emergencies.

The event also includes an interactive team challenge, “The Ready! Game,” designed to test participants’ knowledge of emergency preparedness using real-life scenarios. The game encourages problem-solving and teamwork under simulated disaster conditions.

A Citizen Preparedness Training session, led by the New York National Guard, will offer practical advice on how to plan for emergencies, including home readiness, communication strategies, and assembling emergency kits.

All registered participants will receive emergency preparedness starter supplies and a certificate of attendance. Lunch will not be provided, so attendees are advised to bring their own meals.

The event is intended to promote community resilience and help individuals take proactive steps in protecting themselves and others during extreme weather situations.

The workshop will take place in Knowles Hall on the SUNY Potsdam campus.

Registration info; 
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/uc36wy8/lp/a943e3a2-474d-4369-b6f9-75cf98b439ac

For more information, contact the St. Lawrence County Public Health Department at (315) 386-2325.