​Washington State is now using the TRAIN Learning Network platform to manage and track hazard-specific training that can help improve emergency preparedness and response within the state and region, and to ensure a well-trained and prepared health workforce. Their branded TRAIN affiliate portal, Washington State TRAIN, has officially launched and is being managed by the Emergency Management Division (EMD) of the Washington State Military Department.

Washington State is among 26 state and three federal agencies that are part of the TRAIN Learning Network. As TRAIN Learning Network affiliates, these agencies collaborate to build workforce capacity by providing training opportunities to more than 1.3 million health workers.

By joining the TRAIN Learning Network, Washington State has access to a centralized learning management system (LMS) platform that allows management and reporting of staff training as well as the ability to share training content and resources.

“Washington State TRAIN provides our stakeholders a ‘one-stop shop’ training management system to guide them through finding and managing preparedness training critical to completion of their assigned duties as emergency management professionals,” explained Justin Fordice, Washington State EMD Training Program Supervisor. “From a system management perspective, Washington TRAIN eliminates hours of administrative input once taken up by hard-copy paper applications and certificate processing. Washington TRAIN also allows for comprehensive tracking and reporting of training data required to show progress along preparedness efforts.” 

Additionally, participating in the TRAIN Learning Network provides the Washington State Military Department’s partners with a platform to post shared training content. For example, the Northwest Healthcare Response Network, which supports disaster preparedness for healthcare organizations in the greater Puget Sound region, will be disseminating five training modules to outpatient healthcare clinics to help train staff on various aspects of emergency preparedness through Washington State TRAIN.

“Washington State TRAIN provides a central location for healthcare providers to locate and participate in these training modules,” described Jennifer Lord, Training & Exercise Manager for the Northwest Healthcare Response Network.

Learn more about TRAIN Affiliate benefits and contact the Public Health Foundation's TRAIN Team to explore how your agency or organization can join the TRAIN network.