PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF PANDEMIC FLU PLANNING

Workshop 2: Strategic Preparedness Measure for Continuity of Essential Services and Operations During a Pandemic

December 4-5, 2006 - Universal City, CA

UCLA Center for Public Health and Disasters
1145 Gayley Avenue, Suite 304
Los Angeles, CA 90024

CRA's Health Preparedness Group presented a three-hour workshop focused on the practical aspects of Pandemic Flu Planning. During a pandemic, selected community services and infrastructure must be maintained to provide essential services and resources to maintain a defined state of public health and well-being.  Local health departments and their community stakeholders must recognize existing response capabilities and define essential support functions prior to a pandemic.  Disruptions to resources, infrastructure, and the economy can be anticipated and addressed during this pandemic preparedness phase.  This workshop introduced key impacts and preparedness issues related to disruption of services and continuity of essential operations (COP-E) during a pandemic. The workshop reviewed tools to pre-identify anticipated disruptions, define essential functions, outline related preparedness measures, and identify steps for To develop and implement continuity of operations (COOP) plans and practices.