Grant County Health District

Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Following the events of September 11, 2001, the Grant County Health District has assumed additional responsibilities for monitoring and responding to suspected events involving biological agents. These responsibilities are now enhanced to also include all-hazards preparedness.

The purpose of public health preparedness and response activities is to support a systems approach for healthcare emergency preparedness and response in Washington, and to build capacity of the Healthcare system to effectively manage a mass casualty event. Click here for Washington State Department of Health information on Public Health Preparedness. Click here for a personal preparation PSA.

• Development of regional healthcare coalitions
• Enhancement of local emergency preparedness and response plans
• Development of effective disease surveillance and communications systems
• Enhancement of risk communications capacity, and
• Providing for related education and training

Local emergency preparedness and response plans and efforts delineate roles and responsibilities in preparation, response, restoration activities, and services available during public health events.

Local emergency planning efforts by hospitals, public health and other community entities are integrated with comprehensive plans developed by Grant County Emergency Management.

For those interested in volunteering for public health and other emergencies, please visit the Grant County Department of Emergency Management's website by clicking here.

Washington Health Volunteers in Emergencies (WAHVE)

Registering to become a volunteer emergency worker does not mean that you are required to respond. It only means that you may be contacted for support during an emergency or disaster. Registering prior to an emergency protects volunteers for personal injury and damaged property under Washington State law. You will not be added to any phone solicitation or other lists by signing up. Registration forms are located at GCEM's website or by contacting Emergency Management at 509-762-1462.

Pandemic Flu Planning

For Healthcare Providers