Archives Index / VCHD Earns National Public Health Emergency Preparedness Recognition (posted: 01/25/12)

Source: Volusia County Health Department
Contact: Stefany Strong, Public Information Officer

DAYTONA BEACH- As local health departments nationwide strive to protect the public from new and infectious diseases, bioterrorism, natural disasters, and other public health threats, the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has recognized the Volusia County Health Department for its ability to respond to public health emergencies.

 

The Volusia County Health Department met the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

“I believe that this honor is exceedingly well-deserved because it reflects tremendous effort, dedication, creativity, and cooperation on the part of our entire team of experts,” said Dr. Bonnie J. Sorensen, director of the Volusia County Health Department. “We will continue to improve our ability to quickly and effectively respond to any public health crisis in Volusia County.”

 

“NACCHO commends the Volusia County Health Department for being a model of public health emergency preparedness,” said Robert Pestronk, executive director of NACCHO. “The public health system is making great strides thanks to the good work of leaders in local public health preparedness in Volusia County.”

 

Florida was the first state to coordinate this national public health program at the statewide level and encourages all of its county health departments to participate. To date, more than 30 Florida counties have received Project Public Health Ready recognition.

 

Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a thorough evaluation process by peer review. PPHR required the Volusia County Health Department to meet expectations in public health preparedness in three key areas: preparedness planning; workforce competency; and demonstration of all-hazards readiness through exercises or a response to a real event. The recognition confirms that the Volusia County Health Department has an emergency response plan in place, the plan is connected to other jurisdictional emergency response plans, agency staff members are trained, and the plan is exercised and used during public health emergencies.

 

The mission of the National Association of County and City Health Officials is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.

 

For more information on all Project Public Health Ready recognized sites and project tools and resources, go to http://www.naccho.org/topics/emergency/pphr.cfm.