Emergency Preparedness

Please note: This project is funded (in whole or part) under a contract with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The statements herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Department.

What is a Public Health Emergency?

An occurrence or threat to human health, which can be caused by:

  • Bioterrorism event, with agents such as anthrax
  • Epidemic or pandemic disease
  • Foodborne illness such as Ecoli
  • Natural disasters with a health impact
  • Vector-borne disease such as West Nile Virus

Our Purpose

Cascade City-County (CCHD) Emergency Preparedness is responsible for protecting the health of residents in Cascade County during any disaster or emergency. We develop and sustain public health emergency preparedness and response capabilities for terrorism, disease outbreaks, and other public health emergencies.

Collaboration Is the Key

CCHD establishes close working relationships and mutual-aid agreements with many local agencies and organizations. Our partners include, but are not limited to:

  • Disaster and emergency services
  • Emergency medical services
  • Fire and law enforcement
  • Healthcare providers
  • Military bases
  • School and universities
  • State and federal public health
  • Volunteer organizations

Our Major Areas of Planning

  • At-Risk/Vulnerable Populations - Identify at-risk groups in our community; develop strategies to meet their needs in an emergency
  • Continuity of Operations Planning - Identifying ways to continue providing our services during an emergency
  • Epidemiology and Surveillance - Maintain methods for quickly identifying outbreaks in our community
  • Food and Water Safety - Educate the public and establishments about maintaining safe food and water
  • Health Alert Network - Establishing and testing communications networks to release important health information
  • Risk Communication - Build systems to communicate important health messages
  • Strategic National Stockpile Planning - Develop strategies to rapidly deliver medication to the public in an emergency
  • Training and Exercising - Building our capabilities and testing our systems with drills and exercises