MPCA | Missouri Primary Care Association - The Missouri Community Health Center Alliance

MPCA helps its member Community Health Centers to be fully integrated into the Missouri and local community emergency management and disaster response networks.

Missouri’s Community Health Centers, working thru the Missouri Bioterrorism Hospital Preparedness Program within the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), have taken many steps in preparing for natural disasters and bioterrorism attacks.

The MPCA Emergency Response Preparedness Planning (ERPP) task force includes a representative from each MPCA member Health Center.  The task force provides emergency management networking, planning and educational opportunities for all Community Health Centers.  Staffed by Janice Pirner.

FQHC Emergency Management Charge:

Missouri’s health centers have INTEGRATED their planning efforts locally, regionally and statewide working with key partners in public health.  Health Centers have each created an internal response plan that coordinates with and complements the local and regional plan.  A key part of this plan is the creation and utilization of the Missouri Telehealth Network (MTN) for communication among partners.

The ERPP Task Force is currently working to improve DETECTION systems thru utilization of the MTN for training and education as well as diagnosis and consultation.  The FQHCs have access to the MO statewide EMSytem notification system.

In order to react and INVESTIGATE possible bioterrorism incidents, health center staff must not only be informed, but also be protected.  The ERPP Task Force, thru the MPCA has purchased personal protective equipment appropriate for health center staff and FQHCs provide ongoing PPE training with clinic staff.

Health center plans coordinate with local partners to help CONTROL any disaster or event.  Many health centers are prepared to play a key role in information dissemination, assisting the walking wounded, mass immunizations, or mass distribution of pharmaceuticals.

Final stages of any event will be to RECOVER public security and trust.  Health centers are preparing to be primary information providers for their patients in dealing with the after effects of any disaster or bioterrorism event.  The ERPP Task Force recognizes that the integration of primary and behavioral health care that already takes place within a health center will provide a strong base for follow up treatment.

Lastly in response planning is the continuous effort to IMPROVE the systems and services provided.  Health centers are committed to continuous participation in drills and exercises to strengthen our response capacity.

The MPCA and Missouri’s Community Health Centers appreciate the support of the Health Services Resources Administration (HRSA) and DHSS.  While each Health Center fits uniquely into its regional response plan, each is equally committed to strengthening the emergency response system for Missourians.

Please contact us with any questions you may have.