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Preparedness
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NALBOH Preparedness Pages
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Natural or man-made hazards that affect a community occur in many forms. Natural hazards include tornadoes, floods, wildfires, and inclement weather, while man-made hazards include terrorism. All disasters create dynamic, changing environments. While it is virtually impossible to anticipate every possible disaster, it is extremely important that the agency staff, emergency responders, and board of health prepare responses to as many imagined events as possible. Should an event occur, each participant will have a clearly defined role in the response. For local board of health members, this means that not only are they responsible for ensuring the creation of a response plan, but that they also know their roles and are informed about various public health threats to their communities.
To assist local board of health members in learning about their function in emergency preparedness, NALBOH is here to provide technical support to increase health professionals’ understanding of their roles and responsibilities in community preparedness efforts.
Did You Know...
NACCHO is conducting a survey on local emergency preparedness priorities. Participate in the survey to help shape understanding of local public health preparedness.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has released a report on alternate care facilities. Disaster Alternate Care Facilities: Selection and Operations explains how to select and operate alternate care facilities, or locations that can be quickly equipped to replace health care services when hospitals or other care sites are inoperable or overwhelmed. The report includes information on a template to develop an operations manual, staffing recommendations, and equipment and supply options. The report also supports two web-based tools that provide user-customized plans to implement topics discussed in the report.
Click to access the report or the web tools.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) releases report on state surge capacity. The GAO’s report includes a review of 20 state's surge capacity, and found that all states reported some challenges in planning for surge capacity. Very few states had developed guidelines for altered standards of car during an emergency. The GAO recommends that the federal government can provide guidance and assistance related to surge capacity to ensure consistency across states. Access the report here.
Rand Corporation Releases Report on Public Health Preparedness and Response to Chemical and Radiological Incidents. The Rand Corporation has released a report that investigates in depth the public health preparedness in regards to chemical and radiological incidents. The report includes a framework for public health roles alongside emergency preparedness and response activities and identifies areas at local health departments where further development may be necessary. Access the report here.
Inaugural CDC Report on Activities in Public Health Emergency Preparedness
The CDC has released its first report on activities funded through the CDC’s Coordinating Office for Terrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response. Public Health Preparedness: Strengthening CDC’s Emergency Response describes the role the CDC plays in preparing the public health infrastructure for hazards, and highlights accomplishments and priorities as the CDC continues to work towards its preparedness objectives. Download highlights or the entire report here.
Preparedness Manual From the World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a manual entitled, "Manual for the Health Care of Children in Humanitarian Emergencies." The objective of this publication is to provide comprehensive guidance on child care in emergencies. This manual also includes the initial management of severe conditions. It was also realized that existing manuals do not cover injuries, burns, neonatal illness, psychosocial problems, etc., which are considered of high priority in emergency settings. These are addressed in this manual, as well as issues on mental health, psychosocial support, and common preventive interventions such as immunization. Click for more information.
Mark Your Calendars! 
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August 5-7, 2010: 18th Annual NALBOH Annual Conference in Omaha, NE. "Journey to the Future: Facing Public Health Challenges Today for a Healthier Tomorrow". Visit our Conference Page!
Training Opportunities:
Public Health Foundation & TRAIN offer new free online course
Public Health Emergency Training: Crisis Intervention During Disaster provides an overview of crisis intervention and helps learners identify reactions to trauma and take appropriate and effective action to assist individuals in crisis.
Click here for more information or to register.
North Carolina Center for Public Health Preparedness- Training Web Site
This innovative site offers free, Internet-based trainings that cover an array of public health preparedness topics, such as bioterrorism, disease surveillance, mental health issues, and management and leadership.
http://nccphp.sph.unc.edu/training/
CDC Epidemiological Case Studies
These interactive exercises were developed to teach epidemiological principles and practices. Based on real-life outbreaks and public health problems, these exercises require students to apply critical thinking skills to problems confronted by public health practitioners at the local, state, and national level everyday.
http://www2a.cdc.gov/epicasestudies/download_case.htm
Additional Resources:
Pandemic Flu Checklist for Local Board of Health Members (pdf)
For questions or more information about NALBOH's emergency preparedness program, please contact Carrie Hribar.
Page updated 6/15/2010.
© Copyright 2010, NALBOH