COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER SUPPORT DURING DISASTERS Andy Mullins, MPA, Director ADPH Center for Emergency Preparedness
Understanding the Health and Medical Response Structure Emergency Support Function (ESF)8 Health and Medical Health Care Coalitions Public Health Individual Health Care Facilities Support Systems
Fifteen Emergency Support Functions
State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Clanton Alabama Secure Bunker All ESFs plus other support organizations Under the authority of the governor Decision makers from key state agencies Rapid communication among partners Direct access to the governor
ESF 8 Health and Medical 1. Assessment of Public Health/Medical Needs 2. Health Surveillance 3. Medical Care Personnel 4. Health/Medical Equipment and Supplies 5. Patient Evacuation 6. Patient Care 7. Safety and Security of Human Drugs, Biologics, Medical Devices, and Veterinary Drugs, etc. 8. Food Safety and Security 9. Blood and Blood Products
ESF 8 Health and Medical 10. Agriculture Safety and Security 11. Worker Health/Safety 12. All-Hazard Consultation, Technical Assistance, and Support 13. Behavioral Health Care 14. Public Health and Medical Information 15. Vector Control 16. Potable Water/Wastewater and Solid Waste Disposal 17. Victim Identification/Mortuary Services 18. Veterinary Services
Get Involved With Your Local Health Care Coalition (HCC) The Healthcare Preparedness Program of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response defines HCCs as: A formal collaboration among healthcare organizations and public and private partners that is organized to prepare for, respond to, and recover from an emergency, mass casualty or catastrophic event."
HCCs in Alabama
Purpose of HCCs Coordinate planning among healthcare and support partners to ensure the most comprehensive response to a disaster involving a health and medical component. Partner to provide resources greater than the sum of the recourses available in individual facilities. Plan for a consistent level of care during emergencies when health and medical resources may be scarce. Provide input into the utilization of grant funds at the state level for health and medical emergency preparedness.
EBOLA: A multi-facility plan Front line facilities Assessment facilities Treatment facilities Transportation Trauma Communication Center Local, State, and Federal resources
Five Levels of Care Outside the Home 1. Mass Care Shelters 2. Comfort Care Shelters 3. Medical Needs Shelters 4. Alternative Care Sites 5. Hospitals
Mass Care Shelters Operated by the Alabama Department of Human Resources under ESF-6 Sheltering (in cooperation with Red Cross and other partners) ADPH may have nurses present on a limited basis
Comfort Care Centers Sponsored by ADPH Managed, operated, and staffed by local faithbased or civic organizations Provides home level care in a shelter environment. For those who could be cared for at home if they had someone there to provide care Care will consist of comfort measures including overthe-counter medications
Medical Needs Shelters
Medical Needs Shelter Mission The mission of a Medical Needs Shelter (MNS) is to provide a shelter of last resort during emergency conditions for persons with conditions requiring medical/nursing oversight and who cannot be accommodated in a general population shelter. The MNS is housed in a secure facility with sustainable power, water, sanitation, and limited food service.
A Secure facility is: 1. Structurally appropriate 2. Staffed by security personnel 3. Not in mandatory evacuation zone or high risk area
Who Will Be Seeking Care in the Medical Needs Shelter? People with minor health/medical conditions who require professional observation, assessment, and maintenance but who do not require institutional care. People with chronic stable conditions who may require assistance with the activities of daily living but who do not require institutional care.
Alternative Care Sites Sponsored, managed, operated, staffed, and supplied by hospitals in non traditional settings These shelters will provide sub hospital care when hospitals are completely filled. The Joint Commission requires all accredited hospitals to have a Alternative Care Site Plan.
Hospitals Traditional hospital care Altered standards of care may be in place during emergency events when the hospital s capacity and capability is taxed by unusually large numbers or acuity of patients.
Mobile Medical Stations 7 stations 3 trailers per station
Mobile Medical Station
Mobile Medical Stations
Patient Cots with Disposable Linens
Bus Conversion Kits
What can Community Health Centers Do In Disasters? Mitigate emergency room surge Can minor injury/illness be diverted to a Community Health Center? Can Community Health Center hours be expanded? Could Community Health Center staff be deployed to a hospital? What resources do you have on hand? What resources would you need? What agreements/plans/mous need to be in place?
What can Community Health Centers Do In Disasters? Provide medical care for displaced people Displaced people are often separated from their medical home. Displaced people may not have their maintenance medication with them Alabama Emergency Medication Plan Refill from bottle, insurance records, copy of prescription Voucher for cost of medication Referral to provider for evaluation and new prescription Controlled substances
What can Community Health Centers Do In Disasters? Make rounds in Mass Care Shelters Make rounds in Comfort Care Centers Staff Medical Needs Shelters Staff Mobile Medical Stations Provide medical staff for Reception Centers Staff Alternative Care Sites
What do YOU Bring to the Disaster?
Questions??? Alabama Department of Public Health Center for Emergency Preparedness 334-206-3394 www.alabamapublichealth/cep