Our Health Emergency Operations Center activated last week as part of the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station annual emergency drill. Federal regulations mandate Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station and its emergency response partners conduct regular preparedness drills and exercises. During a public health emergency, the Health Emergency Operations Center activates to support state emergency management with health and medical coordination.
The Health Emergency Operations Center is a statewide multi-agency coordination center with plans in place to assist in protecting the public from health threats. This drill is part of year-round preparedness activities that ensure state public health is ready to respond to all types of emergency incidents. Our ADHS team continually trains to best support local health departments during times of need. Activities include:
- Resource coordination
- Technical assistance and health guidance
- Coordination with the CDC
- Monitoring medical surge situations and public health needs
- Public messaging aligned with the State Emergency Operations Center Joint Information System
ADHS staff are trained to implement the National Incident Management System and can seamlessly integrate finance departments, with offices of epidemiology and disease control, emergency medical systems, licensure, laboratory services, and public health emergency preparedness to staff the Health Emergency Operations Center at a moment’s notice.
ADHS is considered a primary state agency in disaster response and works closely with the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, the Arizona Radiation and Regulatory Agency, the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and the Maricopa County Department of Public Health to support Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station’s Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program. Go online to learn more about what you can do to be prepared in Arizona.
