WASHINGTON—The new PHE.gov acts as a cross-governmental portal for residents in the U.S. and worldwide to obtain information from all U.S. federal agencies and their state and local partners involved in a public health emergency, medical disaster or public health aspects of a natural or man-made disaster.

The site was created by the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in conjunction with cross-governmental partners to meet public information requirements of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006, Public Law No. 109-417 and National Health Security Strategy (NHSS) objectives.

Using this portal, visitors can find the current status and actions taken by the federal government in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and medical disasters. Links to report potential public health threats, and information about medical response, emergency support functions and medical services are also available along with public health actions taken by the federal government during domestic and international emergencies. In addition, visitors can learn about U.S. efforts to provide basic and advanced research and development of medical countermeasures and how these countermeasures will be used in response to public health emergencies.

The portal also provides specific information for federal, state, and local emergency planners to aid in preparing for, responding to, and recovery from public health emergencies. Information on legal authorities and guidance, preparedness and planning tools, and specific preparedness programs are also provided for emergency planners. Information for responders includes information on physical safety and mental health, and guidance for dealing with specific public health emergencies.

U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services June 30, 2010 press release

 

If you appreciated this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

Related Content