2008 Region One Collaboration (ROC)

ALL-HAZARDS PLAN OVERVIEW

    The ROC is made up of County Health Departments from southern West Virginia.  Counties included in the ROC are Greenbrier, Fayette, Mercer, McDowell, Monroe, Summers, Raleigh and Wyoming.  After the events of 9/11, we as a region, saw a need to come together in the belief that combining our resources and staff would strengthen our capacity to meet the challenges we face today.  In an effort to better serve the citizens of southern WV, the ROC has developed a plan to respond to various public health emergencies.  This plan is called THE ALL HAZARDS PLAN.

    This plan provides health department staff with essential resources, information and instruction in the event of a public health emergency.  This plan and subsequent agreements allows ROC member counties to respond across county lines to assist citizens in other jurisdictions.  Whether the emergency is a natural disaster or a man made event, the ROC health departments are better prepared to meet the challenges that may threaten our communities in Southern West Virginia because of the all-hazards plan.

    As the result of developing this plan, health departments within the ROC can better recognize and respond to public health emergencies.  In addition, we have many partners that work hard to make sure an effective response is carried out when, and if, needed.  These partners include the 911 Centers, Emergency Operation Centers, Local Emergency Planning Committees, First Responder Agencies, Law Enforcement and our local public health volunteers.

PANDEMIC INFLUENZA PLAN OVERVIEW

    As an influenza pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus appears to which humans have little or no immunity.  It causes serious illness and death and is easily spread from person-to-person.  There are special challenges associated with pandemics; it can spread worldwide rapidly, it causes the health care systems to become overloaded, medical supplies (i.e. vaccine, antiviral medication) to handle the situation are inadequate and it leads to social and economic disorder (i.e. worker absenteeism, business/school closings, travel bans).

    Community education, planning and outreach are vital in preparing for an influenza pandemic.  Understanding what could happen and what needs to be done during a pandemic helps individuals and organizations make accurate decisions.

    All age groups are potentially affected by the viruses that would cause an influenza pandemic.  Infection rates are usually higher among children.  Adults 65 years of age and older, children less than 2 years of age and individuals with certain medical conditions have the highest rate of serious illness and death due to influenza.  Vaccination against influenza is the primary method to prevent illness.

    The roles of the county Health departments in an influenza pandemic would include conduction active surveillance to identify those at risk.  Also, the county health departments would utilize isolation and quarantine as appropriate to limit the number of public gatherings to help minimize spread.  Also, providing education to the public, local healthcare providers and public health partners on modes of transmission, prevention strategies and general hygienic practices would be another role of the county health departments.  

Information on Pandemic Influenza Planning can be found at www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/individual/checklist.html

For more information or to comment on the plans contact your local health department:

Fayette County Health Department        574-1617

Greenbrier                                            645-1787

McDowell                                            448-2174

Mercer                                                324-8367

Monroe                                                772-3064

Raleigh                                                252-8531

Summers                                            466-3388

Wyoming                                            732-7941