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Learn how HOTRAC and Public Health collaboration in Texas enhances regional healthcare, discusses benefits, objectives, and historical cooperation.
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Bridging the Gap: RAC & Public Health Coordination Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Council Best Practices October 25, 2011
To explain the importance of Regional Advisory Council (RAC) and Public Health coordination. • To give examples of how HOTRAC has worked with local/regional Public Health to achieve regional goals. • To describe how this working relationship has proven to strengthen the healthcare system in the HOTRAC Region. Objectives
HOTRAC and Public Health began working together during the Smallpox planning. • Public Health included the RAC in SNS and ChemPack planning and development of SOGs. • Health Service Region 7 contracted HOTRAC to work on volunteer recruitment and rural county Annex H’s. • Heart of Texas Region has been lucky to maintain key players in planning. Several have moved among preparedness partners. Unique History
Cooperation is essential to fulfilling ESF-8 mandates. • Allows for clearer communication among stakeholders and with the community. • Minimizes regional waste in planning, training, and acquisition of preparedness assets. • Allows a mixture of knowledge and experience to increase response capabilities. Why Coordinate?
Multi-Use Alternate Care Sites (i.e. POD, triage, treatment) • Exercises, Drills, Planning, and Execution Methods of Coordination
Joint Information Center (JIC) • Sharing of Assets (equipment & supplies) • Standing Agenda Items on all Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Committee meetings • Data collection (i.e. H1N1, heat-related illness, wildfire-related illness/death) • Public Health Alerts (EMResource) • Infection Control Practioners’ Forum Methods of Coordination, cont.
Improved patient care. • Better public awareness through coordinated messages. • Grant deliverable coordination. • Strengthened Regional Health/Medical Plan. • Seamless data collection as required by local, regional, and state partners. • Stakeholder awareness of Public Health and RAC activities. • One-Stop Shop in Emergencies/Disasters Benefits of Coordination
Geographical boundary issues: COGs, RACs, PHR, DPS, etc. • Responsibility vs. requested boundaries are sometimes blurred. • Neither entity has a complete list of the others’ housed inventory. Potential Gaps Noted
Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Council Waco-McLennan County Public Health District Health Service Region 7 Questions?