YOUNGSTOWN — If you’ve heard of “mutual aid,” it’s probably been in the context of a large house fire or a car accident.
When first responders don’t have the capacity to independently handle a large crisis, they’ll call on surrounding fire departments and ambulances to help out. These agreements are cooperative.
Mutual aid is also the strategy some community organizers are using to coordinate resources for people during the coronavirus pandemic.
“It is based on the simple concept that everybody both has needs and has resources and skills they can provide,” said Kevin O’Donnell, a community organizer and substitute teacher in central Ohio.
