Reflections on Our May 13th Staff Training at the Vecinos Community Hub
There’s something special about having the entire Vecinos team under one roof—and not just any roof, but the roof of our beautiful new home: the Vecinos Community Hub in Franklin! On May 13th, we kicked off a powerful, engaging, and fun training day focused on emergency preparedness, safety, and working together under pressure.
Because Being Prepared Is More Than a Motto
We dove headfirst into Emergency Code training, practicing how to work as a team in moments of crisis. Whether it’s a medical emergency or a safety threat, preparation isn’t just helpful—it’s life-saving.
Our team learned to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis—such as hives, trouble breathing, and other serious symptoms—and how to respond quickly and effectively. The golden rule? Always keep that First Aid bag nearby, and remember: 911 is your best friend. When you call, help is already on the way.
Run. Hide. Fight. (Repeat as Needed)
We also faced the kind of emergency we hope never happens—active threats. The “Run, Hide, Fight” model helped us think through worst-case scenarios. Sobering? Absolutely. Empowering? Even more so.
Run if you can.
Hide if you must.
And if you have no other choice—fight.
Look around for anything (yes, anything) that could serve as a tool to defend yourself. Work together. Stay calm. And again: call 911.
We also learned a crucial detail—not all law enforcement teams are trained the same. If appropriate, ask 911 for the CID-trained officers from Jackson or Macon County. It’s a good detail to keep in mind.
Practice Makes Prepared
What made the day truly memorable was how hands-on and energized everyone was. From mock scenarios involving shock and unconscious patients in the cold, to lively team discussions about readiness—every moment was filled with energy and collaboration.
The Outreach team? Fully engaged.
The whole staff? Asking questions, laughing, supporting one another, and clearly enjoying the opportunity to learn together.
Special Thanks to Our Dream Team
A huge shout-out to the amazing facilitators from the Swain County Public Health Department and the WNC Campus Police Department—we are so grateful for your guidance and expertise.
And to our very own Emily, Vecinos’ brilliant and dedicated Quality Director: THANK YOU! You brought this training together with heart, humor, and intention. It was informative, engaging, and deeply valuable.
Let’s keep this momentum going with more team-wide sessions every few months. We’re ready.
Because at Vecinos, training isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about showing up for one another, learning together, and making sure we’re prepared for whatever comes our way.