California hospitals are a critical element within the disaster medical response system and work collaboratively with local government, other health care providers and other agencies to plan, prepare for and respond to the needs of victims of natural or man-made disasters, bioterrorism, and other public health emergencies. Hospital emergency preparedness is a priority for government at all levels, as well as a key focus of regulatory and accrediting agencies.
More than 750 people attended CHA’s Disaster Planning for California Hospitals conference in Sacramento (see photo gallery), where emergency management professionals and community and government partners demonstrated their dedication to “powering readiness through partnerships.” Following an opening keynote from Michael Anderson, President, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospit
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in California due to severe wildfires. The declaration, which is retroactive to Oct. 8, waives certain conditions providers are typically expected to meet for reimbursement, including:
SAMHSA announced this week that its Disaster Distress Helpline can provide immediate counseling to anyone who may need help dealing with the problems that the Northern California wildfires have caused. The helpline’s number is 800.985.5990, and the resource is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
An excellent article that lays out key treatments and strategies that enables us to save more lives after a tragic mass casualty incident like the Las Vegas shooting. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families as well as the first responders and medical teams who continue to care for them. We must continue to learn how we can save more lives.
