Reading, PA. February 21, 2020 – After a successful first two years of the CrisisGo app implementation and usage, Berks County Intermediate Unit officials, along with participating schools and key partners, have secured a $95,000 grant to continue their safety and security efforts through 2022. Senator Judy Schwank advocated for Berks County schools to receive the grant for full implementation of CrisisGo to enhance emergency preparedness, communication, and crisis response for all schools in Berks County, including public, non-public, and charter schools. Investment in safety and security is a top priority for Berks County schools and community partners.
Since the summer of 2018, Berks County schools have worked together to implement and rollout the CrisisGo app, a comprehensive digital planning and communications platform. CrisisGo allows for one emergency app to be used by all school entities across Berks County, in turn allowing access to all county police departments and county emergency services. The app is currently being utilized in 108 physical facilities to support over 70,000 students and address concerns about safety in our schools.
Moving forward, school officials will be working with key partners to enhance communication across Berks County as it relates to emergency preparedness. Key partners include the District Attorney’s Office; Berks County Sheriff’s Office; Chiefs of Police; the PA State Police; Berks County Emergency Services Department; the Mental Health / Developmental Disabilities Program; local law enforcement officials; first responders – fire and ambulance; American Red Cross; the Coroner’s Office; local hospitals; and local and state elected officials.
“The CrisisGo system will help improve school safety throughout the county, which is why I am pleased to continue supporting this initiative,” Senator Schwank said. “School safety is something we all need to continue to promote and work toward every day.”
Dr. Jill Hackman, Executive Director for the Berks County Intermediate Unit, shared, “We have seen great success in the first two years of using the CrisisGo app and are looking forward to continuing its use through 2022. As a county, we remain committed to emergency preparedness and ensuring that safety remains a top priority. In order to best serve our students, collaboration, communication, and coordination between stakeholders is imperative as we navigate ahead with safe schools efforts. On behalf of Berks County schools and the Berks County Intermediate Unit, I would once again like to thank Senator Schwank for her continued collaboration and advocacy for Berks County schools and her commitment to school safety.”
While a successful tool, the CrisisGo app is only one component of school safety and security initiatives across Berks County. School administrators will continue to provide leadership in reassuring students, staff, and parents; informing them that safety measures and supports are in place in their schools.
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