Building Essential Strategies Team (B.E.S.T.)
Supporting Emergency Managers in Animal Disaster Preparedness and Response
Mission Statement
The Building Essential Strategies Team (BEST) is dedicated to assisting state and local emergency managers in preparing for and responding effectively to disasters involving animals. Our mission centers around “keeping the whole family together,” ensuring that animals are considered and protected alongside people during all phases of emergency management.
By considering animals in disaster planning and response, families and responders are better protected from health and safety risks, emotional distress, and logistical challenges.
Prevention Activities
BEST works proactively with emergency managers to reduce risks and enhance preparedness for animal-related disasters. Prevention efforts include:
Facilitating planning meetings to identify and address animal emergency needs
Assisting in the development of comprehensive emergency plans that incorporate animal protection and reunification strategies
Establishing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with relevant partners and agencies
Facilitating the provision of specialized technical training for emergency managers and responders
Offering mentorship to build capacity and expertise
Response Activities
During disaster events, BEST supports emergency managers with timely and coordinated assistance to ensure animals are included in response efforts. Response activities include:
Providing mentorship and expert guidance during incident operations
Coordinating resources and support between agencies to address animal needs
Serving as a liaison between emergency managers and animal response organizations/technical teams
Recovery Activities
After a disaster, BEST remains engaged with emergency managers to support community recovery and improve future preparedness. Recovery activities include:
Leading after-action meetings to review response efforts and identify lessons learned
Developing comprehensive after-action reports to inform future planning and training
Through these targeted activities across prevention, response, and recovery, BEST empowers emergency managers to safeguard animals and “keep the whole family together” during disasters.
How to Engage - Partner with the "BEST"
For a customized quote on BEST training and activities please email us at info@asartraining.com
Partner Perspectives
"As a founding member and the driving force behind SAADRA, Dr. Elchos developed the foundations on which SAADRA has stood since 2006 and has provided the leadership needed to carry these principles forward for the last 17 years...She has elevated SAADRA's national reputation while not losing focus on SAADRA's core mission - state solutions for state problems."
"...She has a way of taking complicated and politically-ladened situations and developing the most efficient and straight forward solution while maneuvering through the political landscape. She is a natural leader, patient, kind, and saavy..."
-Southern Agriculture & Animal Disaster Response Alliance (SAADRA)
About Brigid
Brigid earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1989, followed by a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University in 1999. She became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine in 2008.
From 2004 to the end of 2023, Brigid served with the Mississippi Board of Animal Health. Her primary responsibilities included acting as Deputy State Veterinarian and Emergency Preparedness and Response Planner, as well as serving as liaison to local, state, regional, and national agencies on issues related to public/one health, regulatory veterinary medicine, and animal emergency management. She also held the position of State Public Health Veterinarian for Mississippi for eleven years. Brigid has participated in responses to incidents including Amerithrax, avian influenza (both low and highly pathogenic), SARS-CoV-2, Hurricane Katrina, a propane gas explosion, Mississippi river flooding, the National Governors’ Conference, the Gulf Coast regional oil spill, and tornadoes.