During the Spring 2021 semester, Dr. Karen Parker, Assistant Professor of Nursing, collaborated with the American Red Cross on a project to help fulfill some of her students’ clinical hour requirements. Sixteen USI nursing students were instructed how to present “Prepare with Pedro” and “The Pillowcase Project” across southwestern Indiana. In total, the USI students presented 37 virtual programs, impacting 827 students. They also shadowed Red Cross staff to observe disaster follow-up with clients.
“Prepare with Pedro” is a Red Cross education program for kindergarten through second grade that teaches students how to be prepared and take action for either home fires or a local hazard. Students learn coping skills by reading a story featuring a penguin named Pedro, and they receive a storybook to share what they have learned at home.
The Red Cross "Pillowcase Project," for third through fifth grades, also teaches students about personal and family preparedness, local hazards and coping skills. Upon completion, students receive a sturdy pillowcase in which to build their personal emergency supplies kit.
