Public Health Response
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.
Responsible for maintaining the LDH Emergency Operations Center (LDH EOC) at a constant state of readiness, BCP staff responds 24/7 to incidents occurring across the state which have the potential to become threats to the public's health. Through LDH, the Bureau of Community Preparedness leads the State's public health response to disasters.
BCP staff is responsible for providing both training and exercises to LDH employees, volunteers, community partners and stakeholders on subjects such as hands-on setup of Point of Dispensing Sites (PODs) that are used for distribution of Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) medications.
BCP provides a wide array of logistical support such as supply trailers and medical equipment for events and incidents as directed by the State Health Officer.