Disaster Preparedness

[admin]

Posted by: Katie Heinzen, Phillips County Hospital

Date: August 8, 2016 3:41 PM

Does anyone count disaster preparedness as community benefit? We just got a new coordinator for our disaster preparedness and looking to do some major improvements in that front. I would like to give the person some guidelines as far as what could count as community benefit vs just what is required. Any insight would be appreciated.
Thank you!

[admin]

Response: Lisa Bell, SSM Health Care of Wisconsin
Date: August 9, 2016 11:41 AM
Hi Katie,

Here is a link you might find helpful to share.

https://www.chausa.org/communitybenefit/what-counts-q-a-listing/community-building-activities/disaster-preparedness

[admin]

Response: Katie Heinzen, Philips County Hospital

Date: August 9, 2016 12:10 PM

I did look at the link which is partly what prompted my question. But thank you for that direction.

[admin]

Response: Abby Cabrera, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
Date: August 9, 2016 12:26 PM
Katie,

We also look to count it if it is an “above and beyond” scenario. Additionally, we check to see (1) if it is addressing an identified need (2) if we didn’t do this, could it negatively affect our community. For example, a few years ago with the Ebola Outbreak in 2014, our ED went above and beyond to get additional supplies and training for staff. It’s really a case by case review of how we count and what part of the disaster preparedness counts. Hope this helps.

Best,
Abby

[admin]

Response: Debra Ehret Miller

Date: August 9, 2016 1:01 PM

Hi, Katie. Yes, we do count some disaster preparedness activities, although it is a little tricky. Our guidance is to count preparedness activities such as planning and drills that are: 1) in community (so not hospital specific) and 2) above and beyond any requirements of us as part of licensure, etc. I believe there might also be guidance on this on the CHA’s “what counts” site.

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