Blaine County Health Department
Public Health and Medical Systems
Preparedness and Response
The public health and medical systems were identified as critical infrastructure and vital support functions in the event of any such emergency. In 2002, the Oklahoma State Department of Health formed the Bioterrorism Preparedness Division, which later evolved to the Emergency Preparedness and Response Service, to address the public health and medical implications of a large-scale disaster affecting the state’s population.
Since that time, the Emergency Preparedness and Response Service has worked diligently with federal, state, tribal, local, non-governmental and private partners to ensure the safety of all Oklahoma residents. In addition, the Emergency Preparedness and Response Service has routinely assisted neighboring states in times of crisis.
OSDH Videos on Preparedness - Also in Spanish (También en español)
Other websites that might be of interest for disaster planning:
Emergency preparedness for schools:
Red Cross preparedness plan:
www.redcross.org/prepare
You Are the Help until Help Arrives
https://community.fema.gov/until-help-arrives
Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps
The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) is Oklahoma's only medical and public health volunteer program. Oklahoma State Department of Health directs the OKMRC program. The OKMRC is a statewide system comprised of specialty teams, and county units operating under the authority of local county health departments. Unit coordinators collaborate with the OKMRC program office to ensure program consistency, operational continuity and develop a network of support.
All MRC organizations share the common goals of:
• Creating teams of volunteer medical, public health, and lay professionals to help during emergencies and disasters.
• Offering education and prevention to improve the public health of neighborhoods and communities.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Villa-Winsett, Local Emergency Response Coordinator, at email RebeccaW@health.ok.gov or call (580) 726-3316.
