BP1 Nebraska Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement - 2024-2028 Public Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Program Cooperative Agreement CDC-RFA-TU24-0137 The Nebraska Division of Public Health’s (NE DPH) EPRU (Emergency Preparedness Response Unit) will continue to strengthen the capacity and capability of public health systems to effectively prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health threats and emergencies using PHEP funds. To meet the requirements outlined in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), NE DPH will concentrate on any existing weaknesses by focusing on previously noted challenges highlighted, while concentrating on the root cause of these issues that may have hampered progress. The goal is to further investigate and define the causes of said challenges and apply lessons learned. Our team will enhance strengths while diminishing challenges that may hinder progress and forward momentum. NE DPH/EPRU will collect, review, and synthesize data gathered to support grant requirements outlined in the PHEP Logic Model and Response Readiness Framework and meet PHEP benchmarks, all while incorporating the fifteen Preparedness and Response Capabilities. These will be used in conjunction with each other to create a strong and resilient preparedness response from NE DPH and our partners. To do this, our goal is to work towards the following outcomes: 1-To create a path to where Nebraska’s public health system to respond to and recover from public health threats and emergencies. This will help save lives and prevent morbidity and mortality during emergencies that otherwise could overwhelm the day-to-day capacity of public health partners. 2-Continue to work with local, tribal, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), Hospital Preparedness Program, and other preparedness partners. A renewed focus will be on Health Disparity as this focus is incorporated into preparedness plans. Partnerships will be strengthened with the goal of a strong, unified front during future emergencies. 3- Continued focus on the NOFO and all requirements included. Special attention will be paid to progressing through the Exercise Response Framework to ensure completion of our Capstone and all required activities. 4-Nebraska will complete all reporting requirements and participate in CDC-sponsored Communities of Practice to continue to learn, share, and improve our preparedness and response planning. To meet these outcomes, NE DPH will collaborate with Local Health Departments, FQHC, Tribes, and other local-level entities through subawards that will focus on both preparedness and recovery. Further emphasis will be placed on health disparity and access and functional needs, thus further strengthening the community. NE DPH/EPRU will also use the CDC’s Response Readiness Framework (RRF), which focuses on ten program priorities. These will work in conjunction with the Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Capabilities, which support the advancement of preparedness, response, and recovery.
