Public Health Preparedness
Local Health Department Roles and Responsibilities
Each Local Health Department (LHD) works within its community and local health region to enhance response capacity, supported by a dedicated LHD Threat Preparedness Coordinator. Public Health Departments play critical roles in preparing for and responding to health disasters. Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- Facilitating community health disaster response planning in partnership with emergency management agencies
- Enhancing emergency preparedness and response skills for healthcare providers, public health professionals, and key stakeholders
- Detecting and tracking diseases, investigating outbreaks, and testing laboratory specimens
- Accessing and administering medications or vaccines to prevent disease
- Offering guidance, support, and coordination to healthcare providers and facilities
- Managing limited health resources for the public good
- Providing clear health information to the public and clinical guidance to providers and responders
WV Department of Health Roles and Responsibilities
The WV Bureau for Public Health maintains several ongoing efforts to enhance preparedness and response capacity, including but not limited to:
- Maintaining the state Public Health Threat Response Plan
- Planning for the receipt and rapid distribution of critical medications and supplies
- Enhancing epidemiologic capacity for disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and control
- Operating a Biosafety Level 3 Public Health Laboratory capable of rapidly identifying select disease agents, alongside a chemical laboratory to assess potential exposures
- Implementing systems to deliver field training and tools for emergency response
- Developing Rapid Notification and specialized Information Technology systems
Strengthening public communication channels to deliver timely guidance
For additional information, contact Director of Grants Management.
Additional Local Health Department Information click here
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