Continuity of Operations Planning: A Collaborative Affair

Background: Health departments play a critical role in maintaining the health and well- being of their communities. Normal public health operations will be sufficient and uninterrupted during many disasters; however, for a larger scale event where many health department resources will be focused on response, a continuity of operations plan (COOP) is necessary to define the needs of those operations that cannot be interrupted for any length of time. The authors worked with several health departments to create a COOP Planning Instrument and planning guide that helps streamline the planning process. Method: The authors reviewed agency plans and planning documents of various health departments to identify critical information necessary to complete an effective COOP. The authors worked with the Hawaii Department of Health on their COOP and developed four main assessments for the instrument and planning guide. Results/Outcome: The COOP planning guide delineates the key COOP components and outlines the planning process, the planning instrument, and training/maintenance information. The primary assessments of the instrument are: 1) Uninterruptible Routine Functions (URFs), 2) staffing, 3) supplies, and 4) alternate facility locations. Conclusion: The COOP Planning Instrument and planning guide allow public health departments to effectively identify their uninterruptible functions, the minimal number and type of staff needed to perform the operations, and the essential equipment and supplies needed to continue functioning following a large-scale disaster. Health departments should consider utilizing this instrument and planning guide when developing their plans.