Emergency Preparedness & Response

Background

Preparedness and response involves effective collaboration among government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, the private sector, communities, and individuals. Planning, training, and ongoing quality improvement are crucial to executing essential services, response, and recovery during and after an emergency [1].

Public health threats are always present. They include natural disasters; biological, chemical, and radiological incidents; and explosions. The impact of these threats can range from local outbreaks to incidents with national and global ramifications. Being prepared to prevent, respond to, and rapidly recover from public health threats can protect the health and safety of the public and emergency responders.

The DC Healthy People 2020 goals for Emergency Preparedness & Response include:

1. The DC community effectively coordinates and cooperates during emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
2. Preparedness, response, and recovery efforts are timely, effective, and continuously tested and improved.

The District of Columbia, like all major cities, faces many threats with the potential for large-scale health consequences, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and terrorist attacks. The public health, health care, and emergency response systems must be prepared to mitigate the morbidity and mortality associated with these threats. Securing the District’s health and effectively and expediently responding to emergencies are formidable challenges, and a shared responsibility for all parts of the city [1].

Preparedness Planning

The District Response Plan identifies DC Health as the coordinating agency for the Emergency Support Function in the District. Through this coordination structure, DC Health and its response partners:

  •  Provide mechanisms for coordinating District assistance and resources to identify and respond to public health and healthcare system needs during an emergency.

• Provide a coordinated and effective District government approach to an emergency that impedes routine public health and healthcare systems provided within the District.

An integral piece of preparedness is planning and developing plans for different response capabilities. DC Health collaborates with many partners locally and across the region to 1. prepare for public health threats requiring the distribution and dispensing of medical countermeasures and 2. coordinate with stakeholders to support the healthcare system when the demand for services during and after large-scale emergencies can be overwhelming. This includes planning for the need to open Points of Dispensing (PODs) across the District to provide life-saving medications or vaccines to at-risk populations during acts of bioterrorism or influenza pandemics.

These preparedness planning efforts are coordinated through the District’s official healthcare coalition, the DC Health and Medical Coalition (DC HMC). The DC HMC ensures each member has what it needs to respond to emergencies and planned events, including medical equipment and supplies, real-time information, communication systems, and trained health care personnel. The DC HMC activates the Health and Medical Branch to facilitate information sharing and coordinate resources during healthcare emergencies. During the 2018 Boil Water Advisory, the branch took the lead in coordinating situational conference calls and water restoration to affected healthcare facilities. During National Special Security Events and large scale special events, the branch ensures facilities are prepared to respond to the increased potential for active threats against visitors and residents during the event.