Mission
The Emergency Preparedness Public Health Unit is dedicated to enhancing public health emergency response by equipping public health partners with the knowledge and resources to effectively respond to a wide array of emergencies. The EP Unit focuses on fostering a proactive approach to preparedness for natural disasters, biological and chemical threats, radiation incidents, and acts of terrorism. Our commitment to equitable access ensures that all individuals are informed and empowered to protect their health and well-being in times of crisis. Through collaborative efforts and targeted training, we aim to cultivate adaptable and responsive public health systems that stand ready to address diverse public health challenges.
Vision
The vision of the Emergency Preparedness Unit is to lead the way in promoting health. We strive to set the standard for emergency management, performance, engagement and capability while creating resilient communities. By ensuring equal access and inclusion for people with access and functional needs, we aim to achieve better health every day, for everyone.
Grants
The Emergency Preparedness Unit is primarily funded through three grant-funded agreements:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement. This agreement helps the Health Services Agency build and strengthen our ability to effectively respond to a range of public health threats, including infectious diseases and natural disasters, as well as biological, chemical, nuclear and radiological events.
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) agreement. This agreement is centered on ensuring the health care system is prepared to cooperatively respond during crises. This funding enables the Emergency Preparedness Unit to coordinate the Santa Cruz County Healthcare Coalition to prepare health care delivery systems to save lives and respond to emergencies and disasters.
The CDC Pandemic Influenza Operational Readiness (Pan Flu) agreement. This agreement enables the Emergency Preparedness Unit to work with inter-agency and intra-agency partners to continue building operational readiness for and in response to influenza pandemics.