The Lower Susquehanna Lutheran Disaster Response Network (LSLDRN), organized in 2001, is an extension and partner in the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, a combined ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Currently, LSLDRN partners include the Lower Susquehanna Synod; the three Social Ministry Organizations serving the Lower Susquehanna Valley (Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania, LUTHERCARE, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries); Lutheran Camping Corporation of South Central Pennsylvania; Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg; and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The network’s goals include responding in a local disaster, preparing materials (Disaster Response Manual) to be used in local disaster response, providing training in disaster preparedness, and establishing a functional database of disaster resources.

Target groups identified for training included SMO Response Teams, synodical staff and congregations. Contacts are established and maintained with, among others, PEMA, Red Cross, United Way, and the Pennsylvania Interfaith Disaster Response Group.

LSLDRN has demonstrated the ability to initiate, organize and successfully complete projects that will build local capacity and expertise. Proven organizational capability and personnel are in place to implement the a resource management system and to develop and implement preparedness training for partners in the region and for replication to others outside the Lower Susquehanna Valley.