Supporting Tribal Public Health Capacity in Coronavirus Preparedness and Response - 2020 - The Fort Sill Apache Tribe (Tribe), as impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, has found vulnerabilities in its capacity to effectively manage emergency health crises as they occur. Owning properties, including a Reservation and a separate tribal headquarters, in 3 states (AZ, NM, & OK), the Tribe is faced with a unique challenge in managing emergencies on its properties in real time. The tribal headquarters in Oklahoma is the sole governing location for the Tribe, while its Reservation in New Mexico is home to a tribally-owned business. Other businesses in Oklahoma are not located at the headquarters. Each of these locations has its own unique set of vulnerabilities. Our Lawton, OK facilities are in a more populated area, where the health emergency status can grow more rapidly, while other areas are more rural, and may take longer to receive aid. This situation calls for a centralized emergency operations center (EOC) that can communicate with all locations at all times. This center would be located at the tribal headquarters and staffed by trained, well-equipped employees. The center would be used to expedite all local assistance necessary to the affected site, alert tribal officials of needed attention, and respond to developments as they occur. Required to make such a system work are redundant communications systems that are present at each site, protected from power and phone outages. The EOC will also be equipped with computers and a smart board for situational awareness. For health emergencies, executive decisions are most effective when based on real time information. Along with the need for such a setup, a plan is necessary to direct the actions of personnel involved in these emergencies. The Tribe currently has a pandemic plan and a continuity of operations plan. In order to mitigate and provide countermeasures to health and other emergencies, the Tribe must develop a hazard mitigation plan (Plan) that applies to all its properties and personnel. The Plan would refer to and update the continuity of operations and pandemic plans. It would also include a system of digital or cellular communications that the Tribe would use to reach all employees in the event of an emergency. It would require the procurement of equipment enabling infection control (such as temperature checkers) and supplies (such as test kits), as well as training for all personnel in Plan implementation. The Tribe as a government consists of the Business Committee, Economic Development Authority, and its voting members. The Fort Sill Apache Emergency Management Agency, which was formed by representatives of these entities, will be responsible for Plan development, including hiring necessary assistance. The Agency will also be responsible for EOC development and operation, logistical support, and training facilitation for all locations.
