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WISCONSIN'S EMERGENCY HEALTH PREPAREDNESS EARNS HIGH FEDERAL MARKS

MADISON - A federal evaluation of state health preparedness plans gives Wisconsin high marks in the state’s ability to respond to all types of public health emergencies.

“Wisconsin is well prepared to deal with a crisis and public health emergencies,” said Dr. Sheri Johnson, State Health Officer.  “This federal evaluation confirms our progress and indicates that Wisconsin has invested its resources wisely.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) evaluated preparedness programs nationwide as to how each state is prepared to detect, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the consequences of health emergencies. 

Wisconsin received an 86 out of 100 for its Strategic National Stockpile planning, placing it in the top tier of states. CDC also credited Wisconsin for:

• crisis response planning
• collaboration with hospitals, local/regional emergency agencies and federal emergency management agencies 
• rapid communication between laboratories
• numerous exercises at state and local levels

In addition, the Department of Health and Family Services Division of Public Health has trained its staff in the national Incident Command System, which would be used in the event of a large scale local, state or national emergency.

“We have worked hard to be better prepared at all levels of government,” said Dr. Johnson.  “Building on the accomplishments to date will require an ongoing federal investment to keep pace with the broadening scope of potential threats and advances in technology.”

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Last Revised:  February 20, 2008