Since the anthrax attacks in the United States in 2001, progress has been made to prepare government medical communities, the media, volunteer groups and first responders. Graves County Health Department is prepared to deal with a crisis of a catastrophic nature, whether that is a dangerous infectious disease, a widespread power outage or a terrorist attack.
The Preparedness Team at the Graves County Health Department works in cooperation with local emergency response agencies and the State Department for Public Health to develop plans and procedures to prevent and limit health effects resulting from catastrophic events. Our team includes a planning coordinator, regional epidemiologist and a regional training coordinator.
Preparedness Links
Center for Disease Control
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Public Health Protection and Safety Resources
Be Prepared. Build a Kit.
Red Cross Personal Preparedness Online Training
Homeowner Emergency List
Public Health Protection and Safety Resources
Flood Recovery - Mold in your Home
Planning and Exercising
The health department maintains plans and procedures necessary to conduct its essential functions under any potential circumstance.
- Creates and maintains plans.
- Coordinates with community partners.
- Designs and conducts exercises.
- Maintains a volunteer workforce through MRC and K-Helps
Epidemiology
The epidemiologist monitors incidence of infectious disease and works to prevent outbreaks.
- Receives reports of infectious disease cases.
- Collects data from local health providers.
- Advises health providers, schools and individuals on ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
- Facilitates the use of state laboratory resources.
- Provides informational resources to community health partners.
Links
Kentucky State Data Center
US Census Data
Training
The Regional Training Coordinator develops and coordinates training that enhances area response readiness to public health emergencies.
- Develops and Facilitates training programs.
- Ensures health department personnel are prepared to respond to local, regional and statewide public health emergencies.
- Participates in establishing and monitoring workforce development plans.
- Collaborates in the development and performance of exercises.
Links
Kentucky TRAIN Learning System
Kentucky Region One Medical Reserve Corps
The mission of the Kentucky Region One Medical Reserve Corps is to provide support medically and non-medically during emergencies, disasters, and public health practice initiatives.
What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
MRC units are community-based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers-medical professionals and others-who want to donate their time and expertise to promote healthy living throughout the year and to prepare for and respond to emergencies. MRC volunteers supplement existing local emergency and public health resources.
About the Medical Reserve Corps
The Kentucky Region One Medical Reserve Corps was established July 2, 2004. The Kentucky Region One Medical Reserve Corps recruits and trains medical and non-medical volunteers. Medically, this would include current or retired physicians, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, nurses, and others with relevant skills. ANYONE can volunteer.
What will be required of me?
Volunteers must complete a minimal amount of training along with a background check and a Worker’s Compensation Enrollment Form.
How do I sign up for the MRC?
Other Important Links
Specialized Information Services
Chemical Hazards Emergency Medical Management
Radiation Emergency Medical Managment
Toxicology Data Network
Wireless Information Systems for Emergency Responders
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Medicare Supplement Disaster Prepardness
