HPP is a cooperative agreement program that prepares the health care delivery system to save lives during emergencies that exceed the day-to-day capacity of health care and emergency response. - The Healthcare Preparedness Program (HPP) in Arkansas is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s ability to respond to public health emergencies and disasters. This program is a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders, including acute care hospitals, public health agencies, emergency medical services, emergency management agencies, and other community organizations. The primary goal for HPP is to ensure that Arkansas’s healthcare system is resilient, well-coordinated, and capable of delivering effective medical care during emergencies. Continued investment in and support for this program is essential for maintaining and enhancing the state’s preparedness capabilities and reducing the strain on the healthcare system. The HPP program focuses on several key objectives: strengthening the healthcare system by improving the preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities of facilities statewide; enhancing community resilience through initiatives that ensure the public is well-informed and equipped to handle health emergencies; optimizing the management and allocation of critical resources, including medical supplies, personnel, and infrastructure; and conducting regular training programs and simulation exercises to ensure readiness and proficiency in emergency response. Over the next five years the HPP program will continue to build its Health Care Coalition (HCC) to establish and maintain partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies; establish and maintain a working relationship with the Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) units within the state in order to improve coordination and response during a public health emergencies and disasters; conduct large-scale emergency response drills to improve coordination and response times; and work with our state’s PHEP program to support and help raise public awareness and participation in biological and chemical response efforts. The program will continue collaborating with emergency services in the state to ensure smooth patient movement during emergency situations and aide with management of medical surges in healthcare facilities. The program will implement activities to address the recent growing concerns of cyber security through working with healthcare facilities to create and maintain cybersecurity plans in order to minimize the impact to patient care should a cyber-attack occur. This will include plans on how HPP can support healthcare facilities with extended down time procedures related to both cyber security issues and non cyber security issues (e.g., natural disasters). In addition, HPP will work with our HCCs to prepare, train, and exercise these procedures to further bolster Arkansas’ readiness to handle health crises effectively; continue to conduct detailed risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities within the healthcare system in order to develop and update emergency response plans; and continue to ensure supply chain integrity remains intact and resources are readily available across the state. As well as continuing to work with governmental entities to ensure effective allocation of resources to those in need in a timely and fair manner. HPP will continue to enhance and broaden its information-sharing efforts with HCCs and healthcare facilities, aiming to improve patient outcomes and meet critical needs during disasters. Through strengthened communication and collaboration, the program seeks to ensure that all stakeholders are well-informed and equipped to respond effectively to emergencies.
