Because major catastrophes such as fires, tornadoes and flash floods as well as common emergencies such as power outages, interior pipe breaks, and disease outbreaks occur, safety net clinics need to be prepared not only to continue operating, but also to see an increased influx of patients in need of medical care. Based on several examples from states that had suffered natural disasters, people in need of medical care during a disaster usually go to the nearest medical facility, the neighborhood community clinic, or hospital.

Since 2004, with technical assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Center for Public Health Preparedness the Kansas Association for the Medically Underserved (KAMU) has assisted its members in preparing their staff and facilities to handle emergencies and disasters in order to minimize injuries and fatalities of staff and patients, physical damage to the facility and assure continuity of business. Some of the preparedness activities include:

1. Development of emergency preparedness and response plan.

a. Example of a Hazard and Vulnerability Assessment for Health Centers

2. Distribution of personal protective equipment and training.

a. OSHA Fit testing standards

b. OHSA Fit Testing procedures

c. OSHA interpretation of fit testing

d. Medical exam questionnaire

e. Respiratory protection definition and standards | Respirator Storage

Other materials

f. ProVent Gowns | ProVent - Merging Barrier Protection

g. Fit Testing Sign In Sheet

h. Airmate PAPR

3. Providing training to clinicians in recognition, reporting and responding to diseases of public significance.

a. Emergency Preparedness Newsletter Article

b. Emergency Preparedness Tabletop Excercise Article

4. Invitation to clinics to be linked to the Kansas Health Alert Network (KS-HAN) so that they can receive up to date information about outbreak investigations and other public health emergencies. To register for KS-HAN go to: https://kshealth.kdhe.state.ks.us and click on "Email Administrator" to request registration.

5. Invitation to clinicians to register as volunteers on the Kansas System for the Early Registration of Volunteers (K-SERV):

a. K-SERV Informational handout | K-SERV Flier

b. K-SERV Newsletter Article | K-SERV KAC

6. Invitation to clinicians to participate in the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meetings conducted in their respective communities/counties.

a. Hospital Emergency Preparedness Regions

7. Participation in business continuity planning activities.

For technical assistance contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Chief Quality Officer