Wachusett Medical Reserve Corps

HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) Launches new Public Health Emergency Portal

The new PHE.gov acts as a cross-governmental portal for residents in the U.S. and worldwide to obtain information from all U.S. federal agencies and their state and local partners involved in a public health emergency, medical disaster or public health aspects of a natural or man-made disaster.

The site was created by the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in conjunction with cross-governmental partners to meet public information requirements of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006, Public Law No. 109-417 and National Health Security Strategy (NHSS) objectives.

Using this portal, visitors can find the current status and actions taken by the federal government in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and medical disasters. Links to report potential public health threats, and information about medical response, emergency support functions and medical services are also available along with public health actions taken by the federal government during domestic and international emergencies. In addition, visitors can learn about U.S. efforts to provide basic and advanced research and development of medical countermeasures and how these countermeasures will be used in response to public health emergencies.

The portal also provides specific information for federal, state, and local emergency planners to aid in preparing for, responding to, and recovery from public health emergencies. Information on legal authorities and guidance, preparedness and planning tools, and specific preparedness programs are also provided for emergency planners. Information for responders includes information on physical safety and mental health, and guidance for dealing with specific public health emergencies.

Dear MRC Leaders, Volunteers, and Colleagues, The 9/11 Drill Down for Safety initiative was created last year to improve readiness and resiliency, and lessen the devastating impact of disasters on individuals, their communities, and the Nation. The goal is to encourage individuals to conduct emergency drills at home, work and in their communities. Medical Reserve Corps leaders and volunteers have an opportunity to be at the forefront of this program by participating and promoting involvement in the event. The Safe America Foundation has joined with corporate partners, community leaders, and government agencies to be sure that Americans practice being prepared. In the inaugural event last September, approximately 400,000 people participated and practiced what they would do in an emergency. Today, they are launching their 2010 campaign, and I will participate in the event in New York City, as they share the message of preparedness. I encourage you to begin thinking and planning now about how you and your MRC unit might participate in this activity. We all recognize the importance of being better prepared, in order to be better able to respond and adapt to a hurricane, public health emergency, attack, or other situation that may arise. This initiative can easily weave into our already strong participation in National Preparedness Month in September and the National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11th. This year, the organizers of Drill Down for Safety also seek to test the collective ability of Americans to simultaneously react using telephone and wireless devices. So, as part of the initiative this year, Safe America is encouraging a national "texting drill." The goal is to have people make a quick ‘text’ to family members and others who would be important for them to reach in an emergency. It is becoming better understood that ‘texting’ may become the first form of communications in a disaster – replacing voice communications (which may not be generally available). The Safe America Foundation has a comprehensive plan for the 9/11 Drill Down for Safety initiative, including ad campaigns, educational webinars, partnerships, evaluation/research, participant recognition, and much more. To learn more about the initiative, access materials, and become involved, please visit http://www.safeamericaprepared.org. I look forward to hearing stories of your 9/11 Drill Down for Safety activities, and know that each activity contributes to the positive and far-reaching impact on the resiliency of your communities and the Nation. Warmest Regards, Rob  CAPT Rob Tosatto Director, Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (301) 443-2528 robert.tosatto@hhs.gov www.medicalreservecorps.gov