Emergency Preparedness & Response (EP&R)

What
The EP&R program develops education and services to effectively respond to any emergency that impacts public health. We work with local, regional and state emergency response partners to enhance readiness and response to bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies.

Preparation includes:

• collaboration and planning with local, regional and state emergency response partners;
• conducting drills and exercises within the health district.

Response includes:

• monitoring and surveillance of all communicable disease and investigationof disease outbreaks within the community;
• dispensation of medication and immunization to limit disease transmission.

Contacts
Elizabeth Davies, Senior District Epidemiologist
(434) 972-4305 or Elizabeth.Davies@vdh.virginia.gov

Nate Szejniuk, District Emergency Planner
(434) 972-4319 or Nate.Szejniuk@vdh.virginia.gov

Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Emergency Preparedness and  Response
www.bt.cdc.gov

Virginia Department of Health, Emergency Preparedness and Response
www.vdh.virginia.gov/epr/

Center for Biosecurity
www.upmc-biosecurity.org

National Mental Health Association, “Coping with Disaster”
www.nmha.org/reassurance

Disaster Epidemiology and Assessment
www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/disaster/default.htm

Emergency Management Strategic Healthcare Group
http://www1.va.gov/emshg

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