A regional model of public health practice: Colorado emergency preparedness and response

In Colorado, local public health agencies have increased capacity and

capability in the area of emergency preparedness and response (EPR) due to a

regional practice model that provides personnel and expertise across the

state. The model uses CDC funding through the state health department to

support EPR professionals employed by local public health agencies.

Regional epidemiology, planning and training professionals serve local

public health agencies within their region, not only their "employer"

agency. Colorado's geography and population centers have lead to wide

variability in the capacity and structure of local public health agencies.

The Regional EPR System has helped overcome challenges of both low-resourced

and highly-populated local public health agencies in preparing and

responding to public health emergencies.

In 2008, Colorado Association of Local Public Health Officials (CALPHO), the

state association of county and city health officials (SACCHO), performed a

review of the model. This presentation will describe the model, detail the

components of success and challenges within the model, discuss potential

translation of this model into other public health areas, and outline future

plans to implement Project Public Health Ready at the local level with

support from the regional system.