Tanya Uden-Holman, PhD, Institute for Public Health Practice, University of Iowa College of Public Health, 5186 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242, 319-335-8708, tanya-uden-holman@uiowa.edu, Christopher Atchison, MPA, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, E220B GH, Iowa City, IA 52242, Arlinda McKeen, State Public Policy Group, 200 10th Street, Des Moines, IA 50309, and Laurie M. Walkner, RN, MA, Iowa Center for Public Health Preparedness University of Iowa College of Public Health, 5197 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242.

Emergency preparedness entails several challenges. Many different disciplines need to receive training and education to be ready to respond to an emergency event. This includes not only the traditional public health workforce, but also non-traditional partners such as law enforcement and hospital personnel. These different preventer/responder groups do not always use the same terminology and come from different cultures which can make working together in the event of an emergency a challenge. In addition, many different entities have responsibility for training; ensuring coordination of training activities across agencies while avoiding duplication of effort is difficult.

To meet these challenges the Upper Midwest Center for Public Health Preparedness (UMCPHP) implemented a unique strategy. In collaboration with the state’s health department and emergency management division UMCPHP created the Iowa Education and Training Advisory Committee (EdTrAC). EdTrAC consists of groups with a common interest in the coordination of homeland security and other preparedness training. In response to assessment data obtained from multiple agencies EdTrAC undertook the development of a three-year strategic plan for preparedness training and education. The plan lays out the steps needed to create and maintain a system to encourage multi-disciplinary, multi-sector involvement in preparedness training, ensure quality of training, and encourage participation. A list of training priorities was also developed through focus groups and is included as part of the strategic plan.

This unique approach to coordinating preparedness-related training and education at a statewide level provides a roadmap for other states and jurisdictions to follow.

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