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Emergency Preparedness
It is the responsibility of local health departments to
develop effective plans and resources at a local and regional level
to create defense against Bioterrorism, other outbreaks of
infectious disease and other public health threats and emergencies.
Development of the Public Health Infrastructure is a key component
in strengthening the nations Homeland Security.
Regional and local planning has been an integral aspect of
this planning and organization. A local “Task Force” has been
established that meets regularly to discuss issues, concerns, and
planning for the citizens of Van Wert County. Agencies that
participate in this task force are representatives from the: Van
Wert County Health Department, Van Wert County Hospital, EMA, City
Police, Sheriff’s Department, Highway Patrol, Van Wert City Fire/EMS
and County Fire and EMS Departments, Mental Health and the Van Wert
County Commissioners.
The health department also receives monies through the Public
Health Infrastructure Grant. Focus areas under this grant include:
Interoperable Communications; Community Preparedness and
Participation; Epidemiological Surveillance and Investigation; Mass
Prophylaxis; Isolation and Quarantine; Emergency Public
Information and Warning; and Pandemic Influenza Planning.
Additionally, Health Department officials from all 18
counties in the Northwest Ohio Region are meeting and working
together to develop regional planning, and uniform response and
approach to Bioterrorism and Emergency Readiness.
The role of
public health in any emergency, be it man-made or natural,
(including a Bioterrorism event), is an extension of the general
mission of public health: to promote physical and mental health and
prevent disease, injury, and disability. A prepared workforce is an
essential component in strengthening our public health system. The
more health departments are prepared the better the community is
protected.
Links of Interest
Ready.Gov
Centers for Disease Control
American
Red Cross
Agency for
Toxic Substances & Disease Registry
Clinical Trials
Department
of Justice
Federal
Emergency Management Agency
Food
Safety
Food & Drug
Administration
National
Weather Service
Ohio
Department of Health
Ohio
Department of Health Press Room
The White
House
U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
National
Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
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