Due to the declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Family,” a series of training sessions was organized during the Spring Semester of the 2024-2025 Academic Year within the scope of the “Elderly Health and the Elderly in Disasters” course, conducted by Dr. Sevda Vurur in the Department of Emergency Aid and Disaster Management at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University.

These training sessions were designed for members of the Elderly Service Center, which operates under the Ministry of Family and Social Services, Çanakkale Provincial Directorate. The aim was to raise awareness among elderly individuals about disaster preparedness and to ensure they are ready for potential emergencies. The training program included the following topics:

• Disaster Awareness and Preparedness for Individuals (April 15, 2025)

• Response and Evacuation during Disasters (April 29, 2025)

• Disaster Kit Preparation Guide (May 6, 2025)

• First Aid Training (May 13, 2025)

The final session and closing ceremony of these trainings were held with the participation of Prof. Dr. Ayten Dinç, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Mr. Ahmet Ali Artun, Provincial Director of AFAD in Çanakkale. Throughout the program, elderly participants were provided with skills for effective response and evacuation during disasters, knowledge on preparing emergency kits, and enhanced awareness of basic first aid practices.

We extend our gratitude to all students and faculty members who contributed to this meaningful project, as well as to the Ministry of Family and Social Services, Çanakkale Provincial Directorate, for their support.