September is National Preparedness Month, a time to review and enhance your facility’s emergency preparedness plan. The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) urges all healthcare facilities to take this opportunity to ensure they are well-prepared for emergencies. As a member of the South Dakota Health Care Coalition, SDAHO participates in statewide emergency preparedness exercises. According to Tammy Hatting, COO of SDAHO, “We serve as a liaison between the coalition, the South Dakota Department of Health, and our members. Our role involves monitoring situations during emergencies and ensuring our members are updated and equipped with necessary resources.” Hatting emphasizes that while emergency preparedness is a priority for the association year-round, September serves as a valuable reminder to review and strengthen our readiness.
The American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Board Chair, Joanne M. Conroy, M.D., shared her reflections on National Preparedness Month in a Chair File Report dated September 9, 2024. National Preparedness Month was established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in September to honor the memory of those affected by the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Conroy reflects, “We will always remember those who lost their lives or were injured on 9/11, as well as the countless heroes who emerged from those events. The aftermath saw innumerable acts of heroism, particularly from hospital and health system workers who cared for the injured.”
Hospitals and health systems are crucial front-line responders during public health emergencies, including terrorist attacks, mass violence, natural disasters, pandemics, and cyberattacks. Despite significant progress in emergency preparedness at federal, state, and local levels, ongoing efforts are essential.
The AHA has developed a comprehensive online hub of resources aimed at enhancing public health preparedness and response. These resources are part of the Convening Leaders for Emergency and Response (CLEAR) initiative, which focuses on strengthening hospital and health system capabilities. Key resources include:
- Tip sheets offering strategies and real-world examples for hospitals and health systems to effectively prepare for and respond to a variety of public health emergency scenarios.
- Videos, from the CLEAR Crisis Leadership Series, featuring hospital and health system leaders discussing their firsthand experiences navigating public health emergencies, ranging from mass violence incidents to cyberattacks.
- Field guide outlining aligned priorities and actionable strategies to ensure a more unified health care and public health care system for the future.
As Conroy notes, “While we cannot predict when the next emergency will occur, we can prepare by learning and practicing emergency response skills, fostering a culture of preparedness, and collaborating with community partners.” It is imperative that healthcare teams remain ready to respond effectively to any public health emergency.
