Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response
The Department ensures the district is ready to prevent, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies. Staff develop emergency response plans, conduct training exercises, and coordinate with local and state partners to protect community health during disasters, outbreaks, and other threats. The Department maintains readiness to respond quickly and effectively while providing clear and accurate public communication in times of emergency.
Preparedness is a shared responsibility, that’s why SEDHD works closely with local governments, emergency managers, law enforcement, fire and rescue, hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, community organizations, and state and federal partners. Together, we develop and regularly test emergency response plans through trainings, drills, and coordinated exercises to ensure a swift, organized, and effective response when it’s needed most.
Our full-time Emergency Response Coordinator leads planning and response efforts by creating and maintaining disaster response plans tailored to the specific needs of our region. This includes coordinating public health services during an emergency and distribution of critical resources. Community education is also central to our mission—we provide presentations, trainings, and easy-to-use preparedness tools to help individuals, families, and businesses understand risks and take steps to be ready.
SEDHD is equipped to support large-scale public health responses, ensuring continuity of care and minimizing disruptions to essential services. While emergencies can’t always be prevented, our commitment to preparedness ensures our communities are ready to respond and recover—stronger and safer together.
