Department of Health and Senior Services Role in Emergency Response

Emergency Response and Terrorism

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, along with many other agencies, faced new challenges as a result of the tragic events on September 11, 2001, and the subsequent anthrax threats. The programs and procedures already in place; the skills, knowledge and experience of the staff; and the partnerships with local public health agencies, health care providers and law enforcement throughout the state helped prepare our department for its new role on the front lines in the battle against bioterrorism.

Since that time our department implemented new emergency response and terrorism procedures and made plans for the specialized equipment and staff needed to respond more quickly if we have a terrorist event in Missouri. State and local public health agencies have made significant improvements in planning, surveillance and epidemiology, laboratory capacity, communications and public information, and education and training.

The Department of Health and Senior Services expanded its Center for Emergency Response and Terrorism and added state laboratory, epidemiology, communication and medical capacity. The Department Situation Room is staffed by a duty officer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and monitors the day-to-day emergency preparedness of the state. For emergencies and disease reporting, call the Department Situation Room at 800-392-0272.

Our best defense is a coordinated response that incorporates state and local capabilities into one plan, and this is being accomplished through contracts with 32 local public health agencies and the hiring of regional planners, regional epidemiology specialists, regional public information officers, and regional trainers.

Public Health's Role

• Activate and maintain High Alert Disease Reporting System
• Assure public health investigation response
• Assure rapid medical care on a large scale
• Assure lifesaving medical supplies
• Prevent secondary transmission
• Provide public information
• Provide ongoing education and training
• Assure rapid chemical and nuclear response
• Assure management of fatalities
• Assure immediate communications among experts, supply sources and on-site managers