Supporting Implementation of Strategic Emergency Management Programs to Foster Equitable and Inclusive Collaboration and Build Community Resilience
The California Primary Care Association (CPCA) recognizes the important role it plays in supporting community health center (CHC) emergency management and is committed to ensuring CHCs are well equipped with the tools and resources to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies. Two recent events offered by CPCA brought together health center staff from a variety of disciplines and professional levels to learn strategies and promising practices that enhance emergency planning efforts and build community resilience.
Emergency Management Succession Planning Workshop
CPCA held its first day-long, in-person training since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: Succession, Workforce, and Continuity Planning Strategies for Future Public Health Emergencies. In partnership with Westward Disaster Consultancy, LLC, the workshop focused on the long-term implications of emergencies on workforce management, as well as a review of continuity and succession planning strategies. The content, small group discussions, and activities provided participants with the knowledge and resources needed to prepare for the next emergency and comply with regulatory requirements. Due to high demand and interest, the presentation was recorded and, along with the participant guide, is available at CPCA’s online learning platform.
CPCA’s Annual Emergency Preparedness Symposium
CPCA was excited to host the Emergency Preparedness Symposium, back in-person this year, at the California Endowment in Sacramento. CPCA’s President and CEO, Francisco J. Silva Esq., kicked off the first day by highlighting the importance of emergency management programs and the critical role CHCs played during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure an equitable healthcare delivery system response and to bridge the gap in hard-to-reach communities. Sessions focused on: reviewing emergency management-related regulatory requirements and promising practices for CHCs to ensure compliance with those requirements; integrating Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) practices into emergency management programs; and building community resiliency by approaching planning, response, and recovery efforts through a trauma-informed lens.
Day two featured an engaging, interactive, and frank discussion around active shooter events as well as a “Stop the Bleed” training. Participants in the Active Shooter session learned how to recognize and assess signs of danger, work within their health center confines to evade and barricade, and plan and conduct a drill at their facilities. The session culminated with a hands-on demonstration of cover and concealment, identification of escape options, and improvised defensive weapon considerations. During the “Stop the Bleed” activity, participants gained the ability to recognize life-threatening bleeding and to act quickly and effectively to control bleeding using three quick techniques to empower them to assist in an emergency and potentially save a life.
CPCA would like to thank attendees, speakers, and our 2023 Emergency Preparedness Symposium sponsor, Direct Relief, for making the event a success. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!