Author : Michael S. McDonald
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 28 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (317 download)
Book Synopsis Shaping a Culture of Public Health Preparedness and Medical Emergency Response by : Michael S. McDonald
Download or read book Shaping a Culture of Public Health Preparedness and Medical Emergency Response written by Michael S. McDonald and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 28 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the aftermath of the terrorist events of September 11th 2001 fundamental questions were raised regarding our nation's ability to respond to a catastrophic incident requiring a coordinated medical response. As the initial legislative processes began to take shape, the 2002 Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act established within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), The Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness (OPHEP). OPHEP was established on June 12, 2002, and serves as the Secretary's principal advisory staff on matters related to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. OPHEP also coordinates interagency activities between HHS, other Federal departments, agencies, offices and State and local officials responsible for public health preparedness and medical emergency response and the protection of the civilian population from acts of bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. Over the past four years since OPHEP was established, the Department's responsibility for public health emergency preparedness and response has continued to grow and its role in homeland security has expanded. Recent legislation reorganized OPHEP as the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). As ASPR matures to meet these new and expanded missions the organizational culture is evolving. Hurricane Katrina highlighted the American expectation of a coordinated Governmental response at all levels, and the event exposed the significant shortfalls of the Federal, State, and Local governments. How will our Nation respond to the next disaster; whether man made or natural? Are we any better prepared to mitigate the loss of human life? Will the public health and a coordinated medical response be capable of responding to the task in a sufficient and timely manner? Are there strategic plans addressing these and other questions that have not been asked? Finally, how do you turn strategy into executable actions and measure progress? The Department of Health and Human Services must be able accountable to the American people that we are indeed moving forward in protecting the health of our citizens. highlighted the American expectation of a coordinated Governmental response at all levels, and the event exposed the significant shortfalls of the Federal, State, and Local governments. How will our Nation respond to the next disaster; whether man made or natural? Are we any better prepared to mitigate the loss of human life? Will the public health and a coordinated medical response be capable of responding to the task in a sufficient and timely manner? Are there strategic plans addressing these and other questions that have not been asked? Finally, how do you turn strategy into executable actions and measure progress? The Department of Health and Human Services must be able accountable to the American people that we are indeed moving forward in protecting the health of our citizens. This project will outline a strategy for the Department of Health and Human Services in shaping the culture of public health preparedness and medical emergency response. Implementation of this strategy will focus on the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response on its strategic mission, vision, and goals. Shaping a culture defined by operational values of service to the nation, teamwork, leadership, and integrity. The events and experiences of September 11th 2001 will forever live in our nation's soul. ASPR is charged with shaping just how our nation will respond to those we serve with a planned public health and medical emergency strategy in the future.