Service Results for Community Preparedness

The Bureau of Community Preparedness (BCP) uses an all-hazards approach to integrate state and local public health jurisdictions for response to public health threats. The Bureau is organized according to the National Incident Management System, Incident Command Structure (ICS). Components of ICS include Command, Administration & Finance, Logistics, Operations and Planning. This structure allows for efficient management by integrating processes, personnel, communications and equipment on a day-to-day basis, as well as during emergencies.

The Bureau of Media & Communications (BMAC) coordinates the Department's public information efforts. BMAC maintains the Department's brand through its New Media Initiative, public website and published materials.

An influenza pandemic is a public health emergency in which a new strain of the influenza virus (flu) spreads rapidly, causing severe illness for many people. If an influenza pandemic were to occur, there would be little to no natural immunity among most people, and it would take time for public health officials to develop a vaccine for a new pandemic strain.

Per the State's laws governing emergency response, LDH is the agency primarily responsible for Emergency Support Function (ESF) 8, Public Health & Medical Services, after a disaster. The Bureau of Community Preparedness leads LDH's support in this area. LDH has many state, local and regional partners who assist in providing the public health response to a disaster.

Created in response to the disasters of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Bureau of Community Preparedness built upon existing bioterrorism response initiatives. Those initiatives were expanded to encompass emerging directives from the federal Department of Homeland Security. The bureau is structured in an Incident Command System (ICS) structure that follows National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) guidelines.