Bio-terrorism & Preparedness

Bio-terrorism & Preparedness

Since the anthrax attacks in the United States in 2001, progress has been made to prepare government medical communities, the media, volunteer groups and first responders.

WEDCO District Health Department is prepared to deal with a crisis of a catastrophic nature, whether that is a dangerous infectious disease, a widespread power outage or a terrorist attack. Our team includes a Preparedness Coordinator, regional epidemiologist and a Regional Preparedness Coordinator.

The Preparedness Team at the WEDCO District Health Department works in cooperation with local emergency response agencies and the State Department for Public Health to develop plans and procedures to prevent and limit health effects resulting from catastrophic events. Our team includes a planning coordinator, regional epidemiologist and a regional training coordinator.

Center for Disease Control
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Ready Campaign of US Dept. of Homeland Security

Planning and Exercising

The health department maintains plans and procedures necessary to conduct its essential functions under any potential circumstance.

• Creates and maintains plans.
• Coordinates with community partners.
• Designs and conducts exercises.
• Maintains a volunteer workforce through MRC and K-Helps

Epidemiology

The epidemiologist monitors incidence of infectious disease and works to prevent outbreaks.

• Receives reports of infectious disease cases.
• Collects data from local health providers.
• Advises health providers, schools and individuals on ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• Facilitates the use of state laboratory resources.
• Provides informational resources to community health partners.

Kentucky State Data Center

Training

The Regional Training Coordinator develops and coordinates training that enhances area response readiness to public health emergencies.

• Develops and Facilitates training programs.
• Ensures health department personnel are prepared to respond to local, regional and statewide public health emergencies.
• Participates in establishing and monitoring workforce development plans.
• Collaborates in the development and performance of exercises.

Kentucky TRAIN Learning System
FEMA Independent Study Program
Alabama Public Health Training Network