Emergency Preparedness

Emergency Preparedness & Response

Across the United States, public health agencies are being included in all levels of emergency preparedness planning, training, exercises, and response. Some of their functions include:

  • Development of public health emergency response plans to integrate and coordinate with other responder organizations.
  • Dispensing stockpiles of medications in public clinics during emergencies.
  • Part of Health Alert Network: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's nationwide high-speed communication network with hospitals, physicians, schools, and emergency response agencies.
  • Responding to disasters and assisting communities in recovery.