CEP is responsible for coordination within ADPH and collaboration with external partners to ensure the best Emergency Support Function (ESF-8) response before, during, and after disasters. - ADPH serves the citizens of Alabama by establishing and maintaining health service programs, thus assuring conditions to preserve the health and wellbeing of the public. The activities proposed for this project are to achieve the ultimate goal of a comprehensive program to overcome healthcare challenges to prepare us for emergencies, better serve our communities, and attain resiliency after an incident or event. ADPH has been tasked with meeting training needs, preparing, and responding to disastrous situations. ADPH's Center for Emergency Preparedness (CEP) is responsible for coordination within ADPH and collaboration with external partners to ensure the best Emergency Support Function (ESF-8) response before, during, and after disasters. Given this significant responsibility, CEP manages the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (PHEP) Cooperative Agreement, the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) grant, and other funding resources to ensure a seamless, coordinated effort. Simultaneously managing these resources allows for the maximum benefit to the citizens of Alabama while meeting the specific requirements of each awarded grant. During this grant period, CEP intends to utilize PHEP funding to continue the development and implementation of strategies and activities that will improve that State's readiness to execute plans, respond to public health threats and emergencies, and recover from said disasters through collaborations with partners, the provision of supplies and equipment, training, and participation in and execution of exercises. ADPH proposes to accomplish these goals through the enhancement of three strategies: 1) All-Hazards Approach to equip organizations, medical response partners, and other stakeholders with the necessary tools to facilitate collaboration within the eight Public Health Districts (PHD) as part of ESF-8, 2) Enhance Partnerships to create a “whole community” approach for community preparedness for it is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of everyone — not just the government — in preparedness efforts, and 3) To sustain/enhance the capacity and capability to meet jurisdictional risk assessments, administrative, budget, and public health response and recovery workforce priorities at a state and local level.
