Emergency Preparedness and Response

The Emergency Preparedness and Response (EP&R) Division of the Prince William Health District (PWHD) is responsible for planning, preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. Additionally, EP&R assists other divisions with disease surveillance and recognition, environmental monitoring and developing appropriate safety procedures for both employees and the public.

EP&R staff work regularly with local agencies and organizations such as hospitals, police, fire and rescue, schools, non-profit organizations and emergency management officials to ensure adequate community-wide planning and preparedness.

The Prince William Health District is accredited by the National Association of County & City Health Officials’ Project Public Health Ready (PPHR). Project Public Health Ready is a competency-based training and recognition program that assesses preparedness and assists local health departments or groups of local health departments working collaboratively as a region to respond to emergencies. It builds preparedness capacity and capability through a continuous quality improvement model.

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

The Greater Prince William Medical Reserve Corps (GPWMRC) is a cadre of medical and non-medical volunteers who are trained and ready to respond to emergencies that impact public health, such as disease outbreaks, bioterrorist events, or natural disasters.  MRC volunteers use their unique skills to serve the Prince William Health District community.  Our unit is one of approximately 800 units that are part of the national Medical Reserve Corps program under the direction of the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General and one of 25 in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

For additional information about the Greater Prince William Medical Reserve Corps and to become a member, please visit the GPWMRC website.

Can we count on you in an emergency?  Join the MRC!

Contact us at princewilliammrc@vdh.virginia.gov.


Public Health Emergency Resources

Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response