The Bay Area Urban Areas Security Initiative

Medical & Health Preparedness Overview

Medical and health preparedness is a fundamental component of homeland security. In addition to supporting law enforcement and emergency responders, the Bay Area UASI is committed to strengthening regional medical and health response capabilities. In fiscal year 2011-2012, the Bay Area spent over $1.3 million to support medical and health preparedness activities. The region is currently developing a regional medical surge plan that will complement local planning efforts and feed into the larger state surge plans.

In prior years, the Bay Area focused on local, regional and state responses to mass casualty events. With the recent release of the California Medical Operations Manual (CDMOM) and the California Disaster Health Operations Manual (CDHOM), it was concluded that there was an even greater need for coordination among state, regional, and local government agencies. Representatives from each of these levels continue to take part in the development of plans and templates to better enable the quick adoption and implementation of all end products.

Another focus for the UASI grant pertains to mass care and shelter. The Bay Area UASI, in conjunction with several state agencies and local governments, is working to enhance the ability to respond and recover from natural, man-made, or terrorist-based events in regards to the potential need for care and shelter of displaced individuals and animals. Projects focus on the creation of local, regional, and statewide shelter databases, the purchase of shelter equipment, and the distribution of shelter toolkits within the Bay Area UASI footprint.