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Emergency
Preparedness
Since September 11,
2001, bioterriorism has been on everyone's mind in one form
or another. Recent national events have increased the concerns
of the public regarding exposure to anthrax, small pox,
Ricin and other chemical and biologic agents. The ability
to rapidly and effectively respond to these threats has
become a significant role of the local health department.
As part of the Public Health and Bioterrorism
Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, the Knox County Health
Department has been working locally with many other agencies
develop a plan that will allow us to be prepared for any
emergency or threat to our community.
The Knox County plan addresses a variety
of health threats and the procedures necessary to maintain
efficient public health services for our citizens. As part
of our collaborative efforts, we have accomplished the following
initiatives:
- Instituted a 24 hour per day, seven
days per week emergency call line accessed through Knox
County Sheriff's Department at 740-397-3333 for reporting
infectious diseases and other public health emergencies.
- Developed plans for mass immunization
or antibiotic distribution in order to ensure the safety
of the residents.
- Coordinated smallpox vaccination
to smallpox response teams made up of public health and
healthcare personnel.
- Installed a satellite communications
system for distance learning opportunities.
- Trained staff on crucial topics including,
computer technology, Incident Command System, Epidemiology,
and Weapons of Mass Destruction.
- Exercised emergency plans with local
and regional partners.
Future Plans
Areas
we are currently working on and hope to have completed within
the next year include:
- Upgrading of Information Technology,
Global Information Systems, Distance Learning, and telecommunications
infrastructure allowing us to effectively respond 24-hours
a day.
- Implementation of a multidisciplinary
surveillance system to detect potential infectious disease
outbreaks as soon as possible.
- Coordinating training, preparedness
exercises and mutual aid agreements with Ohio Department
of Health, the Central Ohio Region and other neighboring
health districts.
- Strengthening communication with
local partners including the office of Homeland Security
and Emergency Management Agency, law enforcement, fire
department, and EMS departments.
- Implementing Homeland Security countermeasures
- Developing coordination between local
Public Information Officers
- Disseminating information to the
general public
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