Event

You Can Never Be Too Prepared: Pediatric Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

October 9, 2025 at 8:00 PM ET

Children have unique medical, emotional, and developmental needs during disasters, and preparing to meet those needs is essential for effective response and recovery. This is even truer for children with a serious medical condition.

This event will provide a platform for learning and sharing best practices to create an actionable plan that prioritizes the safety and care of children in times of crisis. And include action items you can take now as the caregiver to make sure you are always prepared for the unexpected.

This event will take place on Thursday, October 9th at 8:00 pm ET (7:00 pm CT, 6:00 pm MT, 5:00 pm PT).

Our Panel

Dawn Bailey

Dawn is the mother of a young adult daughter with complex medical, cognitive, and physical conditions due to a rare genetic chromosomal abnormality. Having many years of experience learning to navigate the vast systems of care her daughter needs has given her a good perspective and lived experience to share. Over the last 10 years, she has been committed to using her lived experience to collaborate with and improve the systems of care for all families in Arizona and nationally. Her experience has allowed her to serve on several councils, working collaboratives, task forces, and trainings for both providers and families. Currently, Dawn serves in the following roles: AZ Maternal and Child Health Title V Program, Consultant AMCHP (Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs), President, Board of Directors Pediatric Pandemic Network, Consultant Western Regional Alliance for Pediatric Emergency Management, Consultant

Marcia Bayer

Maria is a Houston-based disability advocate whose mission is shaped by her experience as a mom to three children with disabilities. She collaborates with numerous national and local organizations to advance the cause of individuals with disabilities, while also coming alongside caregivers to offer vital resources and unwavering support.

Bernadette Garrett

Bernadette has over 20 years of acute and primary care nursing experience, the last 10 of which as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner. She is a wife, and mother to a 5 year old daughter and 3 year old son. Bernadette is passionate about sharing her experiences navigating life as a mother to a child with complex and evolving medical needs.