When disaster strikes it is critical that Public Health is prepared to respond quickly and effectively. In order to launch this type of response, Public Health has developed emergency response plans, and with trained staff and volunteers, regularly practices putting those plans into action. 

- Dispensing medication
- Emergency response plan
- Emergency response teams
- Emergency exercises
- Pandemic Influenza Plan
- Training emergency responders

Dispensing medications

During an emergency, Public Health will open temporary medication centers, also called Points of Dispensing (POD) to quickly provide medications or vaccinations to the public. Public Health works with school districts and other organizations to identify facilities that can be used as POD sites.

If your organization is interested in helping dispense emergency medications to your clients, employees and employees’ families, please join our regional Push Partner Registry. Large businesses and agencies serving people who might have difficulty getting to a POD are especially encouraged to sign up.

The Region IV Point of Dispensing Field Operations Guide (May 2009) (PDF) provides instructions on how to set up and operate a POD.

For more information about planning related to PODs, contact Maria Maribona at (360) 397-8009 or e-mail maria.maribona@clark.wa.gov.

Emergency response plan

Public Health’s emergency response plan (PDF) describes how we will respond to public health emergencies that might affect our communities. In addition, Public Health, with other emergency response partners, helps organizations, businesses, schools and others to develop response plans specific to their needs.

At-risk populations
Public Health considers the needs of every resident during an emergency. If you have questions or suggestions on how we can better assist people that face extra challenges when preparing and responding to an emergency, please contact Cosette Freeman at (360) 397-8000 ext. 7236 or e-mail cosette.freeman@clark.wa.gov.

Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP)
Public Health works with Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) to make sure that the county’s response plan is well coordinated with the emergency plans for other agencies and organizations in our community. CRESA maintains the CEMP which delegates emergency management responsibilities among county agencies and their partners.

Emergency response teams

Public Health has three trained emergency response teams that assess the emergency situation and initiate activities to resolve any health threats. 

Incident Management Team
Works with the public health director to develop response priorities and provide structure for the public health response.

Region IV Epidemiologic Response Team
Conducts rapid assessment and epidemiologic investigations in the early stages of a potential public health event.

Point of Dispensing (POD) Team
Establishes temporary, emergency medication centers to provide medication to large groups of people.

Learn more about Public Health's emergency response teams (PDF).

Emergency exercises

Public Health participates in regular emergency exercises to practice putting our response plans into action before a real disaster strikes.  If you would like to learn more about emergency exercises contact Rich Konrad at (360) 397-8462 or rich.konrad@clark.wa.gov.

Pandemic Influenza Plan

Public Health’s Community-wide Pandemic Influenza Plan is coordinated with federal efforts led by the Centers for Disease Control and state efforts led by Washington State Department of Health. Learn more about pandemic flu.

Training emergency responders

Public Health works with healthcare providers and hospitals to make sure that emergency responder have the skills they need to do their job.

Featured training
Disaster Behavioral Health is an online course offered by the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. Designed for mental health, social work, medical, public health and emergency response professionals and others, the course outlines the psychosocial phases of a community-wide disaster and explains common behavioral responses. Mental health risks faced by victims and rescue personnel after a disaster, and signs that might indicate the need for a psychological evaluation are discussed. The course addresses the local preparedness role in public mental health emergencies using Washington State's agencies and preliminary plans as a case study.