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DuPage County Health Department receives perfect 100 percent score on public health emergency preparedness
Wed April 15, 2009
DuPage County Health Department receives perfect 100 percent score on public health emergency preparedness
County municipalities, agencies thanked for support, cooperation
The DuPage County Health Department received a 100 percent rating--the highest possible score--following its Technical Assistance Review, a requirement of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the area of public health emergency preparedness.
The health department received an overall rating of 100 out of 100. The health department is the coordinating agency for the county-wide Strategic National Stockpile planning and is thankful for the cooperation and support of agencies and municipalities all across DuPage County. The plan specifically addresses public health emergencies, such as pandemic influenza, or bioterrorism events, such as anthrax.
"Over the past couple of years, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of our emergency preparedness plan and recognized that while we excelled in some areas, there was room for improvement in others," said DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom. "The hard work we have undertaken during this time has produced this perfect score, and it would not have been possible without the hard work and cooperation of our county agencies and our municipalities. This is but a first step in ensuring our residents are protected in the event of an emergency, and I'm proud of the work we have accomplished in a very short period of time."
Linda Kurzawa, DuPage County Board of Health President and DuPage County Board Member, said, "this score is indicative of the dedication of the health department to serving county residents. This is an incredible accomplishment and I'm proud of the entire staff."
She noted that only a small number of counties throughout the United States receive a 100 percent rating on their emergency plans.
The health department's public health emergency response plans are reviewed annually as a requirement of the Cities Readiness Initiative grant. The CRI grant is a federal program to aid agencies and cities in increasing their capacity to deliver medicines and medical supplies during a large-scale public health emergency, such as a bioterrorism attack.
Maureen McHugh, Health Department Executive Director, said the CDC review took place on March 19. She described the accomplishment as a "total team effort" from many persons throughout the health department. "I applaud them all," she added.
The review was completed following a site visit by state and federal officials. It focuses on DuPage County's ability to manage a public health emergency effectively and ensure operational readiness, which is the county's ability to protect the public during the emergency.
The health department, as the lead county agency, partners with numerous other agencies, including county departments and municipalities, on these plans.
Download pdf of news article here.