 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Mahree Fuller Skala, MA, Center for Local Public Health Services, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, P.O. Box 570, 912 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570, 573-751-6170, SkalaM@dhss.state.mo.us
Missouri, like other states, has faced challenges in enhancing emergency preparedness in the context of ongoing public health responsibilities. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has taken the approach of building on existing relationships and systems to expand capacity at the local, regional, and statewide levels. This presentation will include a brief description of Missouri’s public health and health care system, and our ongoing initiative to implement a population-based focus and core public health functions throughout the public health system. Our approach to preparedness planning will be discussed, including articulation of principles to guide the effort; identification of the roles and responsibilities of public health and other critical partners; and deployment of new resources in ways that add value and capacity at each level of the system. This “value added” model has resulted in enhancements to laboratory capacity, information and communication systems, disease surveillance, investigation and follow-up, and workforce competencies, as well as strengthening partnerships. Major challenges remain, especially with respect to integration of new resources with related “core” activities at the local level.
Learning Objectives:
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by MDHSS