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Issue 2

Evacuation Planning for Vulnerable Populations

By:
Blaine
Gamst
Ecumen Lakeshore is a senior healthcare and housing campus with two hundred seventy residents living in Duluth, Minnesota. The services provided at Ecumen Lakeshore primarily consist of skilled nursing care, assisted living, memory care, and independent living. Ecumen Lakeshore is responsible for delivering healthcare services to approximately 50% of those who reside there. This population needs assistance with daily living activities (ADLs), including personal hygiene, medications, dressing, walking, and nutrition. The people receiving care or services due to needing assistance with one or more ADLs meet the definition of being a vulnerable adult, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS, 2021). This vulnerable population residing in a congregate living facility is why facility operators must be prepared to safely evacuate the building in the event of an emergency.
Published:
January 5, 2023
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Dr. Frank M. Valier, a Distinguished Professor and  IBM-AI certified professional, brings exceptional leadership to healthcare education as the publisher and editor of the prestigious "Journal of Healthcare Administration and Policy." Throughout his distinguished 25-year career, he has demonstrated excellence in administration, graduate-level teaching, scholarly research, and academic publication.

At Charter Oak State College in New Britain, Connecticut, Dr. Valier serves as the lead faculty instructor where he has revolutionized the Master of Healthcare Administration program through his development and instruction of its cornerstone Capstone course. His innovative teaching methods and curriculum design reflect his deep understanding of both healthcare administration and information technology.

Dr. Valier earned his Doctor of Business Administration in Information Technology Management from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Flordia specializing in Health Information Systems. His groundbreaking dissertation, "A Primary Study of the Perception of Characteristics of Innovation during Pre-Diffusion Stage," earned recognition from the Association of Information Systems with a Best Paper Award nomination. This seminal work, published in the "Journal of International Technology and Information," demonstrates his significant contributions to understanding technology adoption in healthcare settings.

As an educator, Dr. Valier exemplifies the transformative power of engaged teaching. His approach combines rigorous academic standards with genuine enthusiasm for student success, creating an environment where complex healthcare concepts become accessible and meaningful. Students consistently praise his ability to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, a skill that aligns perfectly with Charter Oak State College's mission of providing relevant, career-focused education.

Contact Information:

Dr. Frank Marshall Valier

Healthcare Sciences and Technology Department

Charter Oak State College
185 Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051

Email:  fvalier@charteroak.edu

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Updated 6/6/25