Health and Medical Partners Engagement
Local Health Departments are the lead response agency for public health and medical incidents. Federally, this is known as Emergency Support Function (ESF 8) and covers a wide array of medical professions and services.
Regionally, the Preparedness Coordinator liaises with other health departments within the District 6 response region and with the District 6 Healthcare Coalition. Both sets of partners can provide needed resources during emergency incidents.
District 6 Healthcare Coalition Not connected? Apply to become a member on their website.
Get Involved
If you are affiliated with an ESF 8 organization and would like to connect with expansive planning and response resources, please contact the Preparedness Coordinator. Projects and services include, but are not limited to the following items in the "Get Involved" section below. Hover over each item to learn more.
Closed PODs
• Closed Point of Dispensing (PODs) receive medical countermeasures for a pre-designated population, such as staff and residents/clients, in response to a qualified disease outbreak. Supplies are provided by the Howard County Health Department. Only organizations with trained medical staff are eligible. Contact the Preparedness Coordinator for more details.
Closed Point of Dispensing Clinics
Notification Drills & Regular Communications
Notification Drills are conducted quarterly via different pathways to ensure registered points of contact information remains current. Regular communications are distributed routinely to provide key updates on new or ongoing public health concerns, opportunities for resources, and other pertinent news.
Notification Drills & Regular Communications
Training Events & Exercises
The Preparedness Coordinator leads and is part of several community preparedness committees that offer annual training events and exercises. Additionally, you can reach out if your organization or agency would like assistance in planning a training event or exercise.
Training Events & Exercises
HC EDN
o The Network's purpose is to encourage networking and training prior to disasters. Meetings are held quarterly in January, April, July, and September/October on the 4th Thursday at 10 AM. An annual training session and tabletop exercise are included. To join or request more information, email the Preparedness Coordinator.
Howard County Emergency Development Network