Oklahoma Ranks in Top 14 Percent in Preparedness for Medical Countermeasure
Tuesday, March 05, 2019
For Release – March 5, 2019 – Jamie Dukes, Office of Communications – (405) 271-5601
The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) was recently assessed in the top 14 percent of all medical countermeasure supply recipients across the nation who have been reviewed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC conducted an operational readiness review site visit of the OSDH. The process evaluates state and local capabilities to distribute and dispense life-saving medicines such as antibiotics in affected areas of a public health emergency such as plague, anthrax or pandemic flu.
The review included aspects of performance measures in the areas of community preparedness, emergency operations coordination, emergency public information and warning; medical countermeasure dispensing, medical material management and distribution; responder safety and health; and volunteer management.
The goal of the CDC is for jurisdictions to have medical countermeasure programs established by June 30, 2022. Oklahoma achieved this status in two-thirds of the modules measured nearly four years ahead of the target date.
“This review reflects the extraordinary level of commitment and dedication by the OSDH Emergency Preparedness and Response Service and a large number of state and local partners,” said Interim Commissioner of Health Tom Bates. “Oklahoma has made tremendous progress in improving preparedness to face health emergencies. Our agency stands ready to respond to a public health threat, and will continue to work to improve our practices. I appreciate the efforts of our staff at the state level as well as the county local emergency response coordinators.”
The Public Health Emergency Preparedness program is managed by the CDC and supports preparedness activities nationwide through funding and technical assistance. The funding supports state and local efforts and their ability to receive, distribute, and dispense medical assets from the Strategic National Stockpile.
The OSDH Emergency Preparedness and Response Service gathered with state partners to meet with the CDC for a site visit evaluating the state's readiness to respond to a public health emergency.
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Last Modified on
Jun 03, 2022
