This is a two-county program to develop plans and activities that increase Bradford and Union County’s ability to prepare, respond, and mitigate man-made or natural disasters.
The Public Health Preparedness Program coordinates planning and program development for the Florida Department of Health in Bradford County (DOH-Bradford) and other local and state agencies to protect the public health of Florida’s citizens and visitors from the effects of manmade and naturally-occurring events. The goals of the program are to upgrade preparedness for and response to bioterrorism, outbreaks of infectious disease, and other public health threats and emergencies.
DOH-Bradford was recognized in 2010 by the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ (NACCHO) for being Project Public Health Ready (PPHR).
PPHR was developed by and for local health departments to enhance the ability of a county health department to protect the public’s health before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. DOH-Bradford was re-recognized in 2015, and intends to apply for a third recognition in 2020.
Project Ready sets national criteria for public health readiness under three main goals:
- All-Hazards Preparedness Planning
- Workforce Capacity Development
- Quality Improvement through Exercises and Real Event Response
The health department disaster preparedness and planning program is a two-county program to develop plans and activities that increase Bradford and Union County’s ability to prepare, respond and mitigate man-made or natural disasters. This program collaborates with local Emergency Management staff and Regional DOH staff to meet planning, training and exercise needs of health care workers in both the public and private sectors.
Special Needs Shelter-SpNS
DOH-Bradford will provide limited support for residents with special medical needs at the Special Needs Shelter (SpNS) located at Starke Elementary when it is activated by Bradford County Emergency Management.
The Bradford County SpNS is only an option of last resort and only for special medical needs individuals and their caretakers. It is not a preferred destination, but a refuge of last resort. Plan now and make local arrangements with family, friends, or church members to arrange a safe place should you need to leave your home.
Special Needs Registry
Special needs shelters are for those with disabilities or who require medical care that exceeds basic first aid. Preregistration is important so emergency responders can ensure space is reserved for those with the greatest need.