Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness
The Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) provides leadership to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from a public health emergency, caused by either a natural or manmade disaster. The Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness is located within the Adair County Health Department. We work closely with Emergency Services, other County/City Departments, Health Care Partners and community agencies.
Our Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and integrate all-hazards public health response plans
- Educate the public and train the county response partners in:
- Integrated Shelter Support
- Isolation and Quarantine
- Mass Fatality
- Mass Vaccination and Mass Prophylaxis
- Medical Surge
- Strategic National Stockpile Plan
- Conduct drills and exercises to test plans
- Recruit, train and deploy NEMO MRC (Medical Reserve Corps) Volunteer Team
In the event general population shelters are established in Adair County, the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness works with local Emergency Management and Red Cross to coordinate public health services, basic medical care, and functional needs support services.
Examples of potential services provided include:
- Observation, assessment and maintenance of Individuals with minor health/medical conditions
- Assistance with personal care or activities of daily living
- Assistance obtaining, managing and administering medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
- Assistance obtaining and utilizing durable medical equipment and medical supplies
In a public health emergency that exceeds the community’s ability to manage human fatalities, the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness will coordinate with the Adair County Medical Coroner and other community partners to effectively respond.
Certain public health emergencies may require the administration of large numbers of vaccines or medication in a short period of time.
The Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness will coordinate the Adair County Department of Health’s response which may include Points of Dispensing (POD). POD sites are typically large facilities (fair grounds, churches, universities, colleges, high schools) located throughout the County. Depending on the nature of the medical emergency PODs may have to operate 24 hours a day for several days. Adair County Health Department has agreements with numerous locations throughout the County to operate PODs in the event of an emergency.
Medical Surge is the capability to rapidly expand the capacity of the existing healthcare system (long-term care facilities, community health agencies, acute care facilities, alternate care facilities, and public health departments) in order to provide assessment and subsequent medical care.
Adair County is prepared to receive, process, and distribute medication, supplies, and equipment to Points of Distribution (POD) sites and hospitals throughout the County.
Local Preparedness
Although many people do not believe Adair County would be a target for a bioterrorist attack, several key agencies are partnering to prepare for a potential attack. These key agencies include:
- Public Health Department
- Office of Emergency Management
- Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)
- Law Enforcement
- Fire Protection
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
School Districts
Active surveillance will alert Health Department officials to a potential outbreak or attack. Emergency plans advise key partners on how to respond. Medication dispensing sites* have been designated and can be opened if there is a need to dispense medication to county residents.
Personal Preparedness
You can join in these preparedness efforts by taking steps today to protect yourself and your family.
- Educate yourself on the threats of bioterrorism.
- Have an emergency plan* for your family.
- Pack a disaster prep kit*.
- Understand what it means to shelter-in-place*.
- Volunteer in your community.
Live life! Remember, keep the threat of bioterrorism in perspective, and enjoy each day of life.
Public Health Emergency Alerts
Receive notifications, locate emergency shelters, & more. Download the app, my Alert by Konexus using the links below for Google Play and the App Store.
Important Links
Planning for any emergency or disaster is important to keep your family safe during a disaster. Below are links to sources of information on how to prepare for an emergency and what to do if a disaster strikes.
