Building Critical Mass Care/Mass Fatality Response Capacity for a Severe Pandemic

Severe influenza outbreaks remain a realistic and enduring threat to the public health and medical community. The initial H5N1 avian influenza virus, the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, and the emerging H7N9 virus underscored the need for government agencies, partners, stakeholders, private sectors and NGO's to sustain pandemic influenza planning.

Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services (HCPHES) collaborated with State, Regional, Local and private sector entities to convene appropriate partners, stakeholders, NGO's and private/public sectors who would be involved in a critical capacity during a Mass Care/Mass Fatality influenza response. The workshop series focused on the utilization and validation of current plans: 1) utilization of Alternate Care Sites (ACS); 2) ACS operational requirements and potential resource needs; 3) health risks and mitigation; 4) death pronouncement, certification & investigation; 5) decedent  management (outside of the medical examiner requirements); 6) cultural and religious considerations.

Through the healthcare and public engagement process, specific roles and areas of responsiblities were discussed, modified and or validated for HCPHES operational actions surrounding a pandemic influenza response. The public engagement process clearly identified issues around legal aspects, crisis standards of care and the assurance of fair treatment for all patients. Working with the Harris County Attorneys office, we have identified legal actions that may take legislative change or variance. Working with the Texas Department of State Health Services addressing alternate standards of care. Embolding that all people recieve equal treatment during a pandemic.

These workshops demonstrated the importance of effective planning for Mass Care/Mass Fatality response within Harris County.