1

APC Managers Conference

Tarrant APC Program and Product Review

Atlanta, GA October 22-24, 2008

2

Introduction / overview

• Who we are (as APCs and the Tarrant County APC)– Not centralized nor independent, but federated– Unique staff, jurisdictions, partner resources– Tarrant APC: Grant-funded unit of Project Public Health Ready

LHD

– Organic complementary knowledge and skill base • What we do

– Develop AND market know-how individually and collectively– Besides advanced practices, evidence-based practices

• How we do it– Study it, do it, test it, evaluate it, refine it, deliver it, assess

results– Research --> Product -->Application -->Market --> Evaluation

A systematic approach, but as we like to say ... “It’s not rocket science.”

3

We’re delivering preparedness tools for ...

• Biosurveillance (regional learning laboratory)• Pandemic influenza (as well as seasonal flu)• Radiological and chemical agents• Small business and personal preparedness• Volunteer recruiting and training (MRC)• Workforce development (training) and

exercises

4

Programs / products covered today ...

• Biosurveillance program & Resource Compendium• School health surveillance program & system • Training/exercise suite – radiological/chemical• Preparing Your Business for Emergencies, Natural &

Man-Made Disasters (targeting small- and medium-sized businesses)

• MRC Self-Paced Training for Medical & Non-Medical Volunteers

• Current Tarrant County APC programs / projects

Also covered ...

5Our network started with hospitals

52 data feeds, 120+ users

6

Biosurveillance toolset (40+ items) providing:

Implementation guidance (article series) Resources on HIPAA compliance Insight on PH community of practice Real-world response protocols, efficacy

study News, references, links to related

resources AHIC Minimum Data

Set & precursors Read-me files to

explain folder contents

7

TCPH School Health Surveillance System

Online form takes < 5 min.

System: affordable, replicable

8

PH-oriented chem/rad event information

Exercise guidance scalable for any radiological event; contains many templates (applies HSEEP exercise / evaluation criteria)

Roles of PH and exercise objectives both clearly defined

Self-paced interactive training on radiation physics, health effects, toxicology oriented to PH staff

Exercise examples based on TCPH dirty bomb exercise; materials include assessment, planning links (APC Website)

Covers many incidents (power plant, transportation, orphan sources, and RDD)

9

Planning tool for SMBs & personal preparednessEasy-to-use, menu-driven, step-by-step guide to

develop small business emergency preparedness plan

Recognizing suspicious packagesWorkplace/personal disaster suppliesIBHS “Open for Business” guideShelter-in-place guidelinesMedia and news toolsPreparedness for long-term careSupporting forms and videosSix Hats decision making model

10

Volunteer training for the MRC

Self-paced training: medical / non-medical volunteers

Based on national MRC core competencies matrix Also popular for CERT training for PH modules Can be used with or without Internet connection All sections

downloadable for easy customization

Addresses risk / disaster communications and shelter operations

Links to FEMA / ICS training modules

11

Questions?

For more information, please visit our

Website: www.texasapc.net