December 2021 Newsletter
Welcome Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition Newsletter
December 2021
As a valued partner of the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition (VHEPC), you will receive this bi-monthly newsletter highlighting coalition business, upcoming events and preparedness resources. As a reminder, we recommend that you bookmark the VHEPC website calendar and check it often. We are continually curating the calendar with meetings, trainings and exercises.
Our Mission
Our coalition is a multi-disciplinary partnership collaborating with our members, stakeholders, and surrounding communities to improve and expand emergency preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. The VHEPC works with healthcare entities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies in the state of Vermont.
VHEPC To Host Psychological First Aid Training
National Incident Management System Training
FEMA provides free emergency response trainings for those wishing to improve their training and knowledge in National Incident Management (NIMS). The FEMA website provides more detail stating “The Emergency Management Institute works in collaboration with the whole community to provide training in support of the NIMS Training Program. The Preparedness Branch coordinates EMI’s NIMS training efforts with the National Integration Center (NIC) to integrate NIMS doctrine and training with whole community needs.
For more information and to view available trainings
The VHEPC’s Dr. David Nelson will be speaking at the Pediatric Readiness in Rural and Underserved Communities webinar. This event is sponsored by the AAP Section on Emergency Medicine Pediatric Readiness Subcommittee
Preparing for the Next Influenza Pandemic: Holidays are here and so is the Flu!
Photo Credit: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash
In 2009, many public health, emergency management, and healthcare entities globally witnessed the spread of the H1N1 influenza virus. Additionally, these same organizations found themselves underprepared again when faced with the coronavirus pandemic in 2021.
Since then, there have been major advancements and improvements in detection technology, treatment, PPE, plans and protocols, and response. However, the threat of another influenza pandemic has also grown. There has been an increase in the number of novel influenza viruses that have proved their capacity to infect humans. Thus, it is important for public health, emergency management, and healthcare organizations to be prepared for the next novel influenza pandemic.
There are many ways for organizations to start preparing now. These actionable steps include:
•Practicing an all-hazards approach when it comes to emergency preparedness planning
•Participating in regional, statewide, and national trainings and exercises, and finally
•Keeping your plans updated
If you or your organization would like more information on what you can do now, consult with your Healthcare Coalition Coordinator and follow the coalition website calendar to find upcoming trainings and exercises.
New Documents from the VHEPC now available on website
On October 21, 2021 the VHEPC conducted a recovery tabletop exercise for coalition members. Many thanks to all who were able to participate.
Secondly, on November 9,2021 the VHEPC ran its quarterly Redundant Communications Drill.
The after-action reports for both of these coalition activities are now available to be viewed on the VHEPC website.
VHEPC Announcements and Upcoming Events
Photo Credit: AbsolutVision via Unsplash
December Coalition Meeting- Join the VHEPC for the December coalition meeting with special guest Dr.Logan Hegg. Dr.Hegg will be leading a training on psychological first aid.
December 16, 2021 from 10:00AM to 12:00PM
December Integrated Preparedness Planning Workgroup- The overarching goal of the VHEPC IPP Work Group is to develop coalition-level preparedness/response plans that align with state and regional level plans and to conduct training and exercises to validate these plans.
December 9,2021 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM
Contact Us
Kate Hammond, Coalition Chair
802-373-2207
Kate.Hammond@uvmhealth.org
Vacant, Coalition Co-Chair
Pamela Corbett, Coalition Secretary
802-251-2127
Pamela.Corbett@vermont.gov
Jim Holway, Member at Large
802-391-8849
jholway@livingwellgroup.org
Deborah Wesley, Member at Large
802-388-7259
dwesley@achhh.org
Jennifer Bynum, Readiness and Response Coordinator
919-717-3355
vhepc@allclearemg.com