Innovative Solutions for Collin County Bioterrorism Preparedness

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Innovative Solutions for Collin County
Bioterrorism Preparedness
Karen Kaighan, RN Collin County Bioterrorism
Coordinator July 29, 2003
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Presentation Outline

• Department of Homeland Security
• Key Homeland Security Planners
• Satellite Systems
• RedBat
• Redundant Communication Systems
• Regional Media Campaign
• Cross County Cooperation

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Department of Homeland Security

• Formation of a new county department.
• Directs coordinates responses to disasters,
  emergencies, and terrorist activities.
• Cross-disciplined planning team results in an
  integrative, forward-thinking approach to
  protecting the county.

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Key SNS Planning Committee

• Kelley Stone Director of Homeland Security
• Karen Kaighan, RN Bioterrorism Coordinator
• Janet Glowicz, RN Nurse Epidemiologist
• Dr. Muriel Marshall, DO, DrPH County Physician
• Dr. William Rohr, MD Medical Examiner
• Steve Deffibaugh Fire Marshal
• Leigh Hornsby Public Information Officer
• Steve Wasserman IT Specialist
• Candy Blair Public Health Administrator
• Patsy Morris Public Health Coordinator

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Satellite Systems

• Satellite Downlink Systems geographically
  installed
• County Health Department
• County EOC
• Sheriff Office (central)
• City of Plano (south)
• City of Frisco (west)
• City of Wylie (east)
• Provides access to training programs broadcasted
  by CDC and other teaching facilities.
• Information access for first responders, key
  stakeholders, and the community.

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RedBat TM

• Syndromic surveillance software equipment
• Identifies uncommon clusters of symptoms
• Identifies potential bioterrorist events and
  infectious disease outbreaks
• Geographic Mapping Module
• Purchased and installing the system in county
  health department and 5 area hospitals.

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EOC Communication Channels Redundant
Communication Systems

• Communication Channels
• Primary
• Telephone (Cellular Phones)
• Secondary
• 800 Trunk Radio System
• Satellite Phones (Key Personnel)
• Nextel Radio System (14 Key Personnel)
• Pagers
• Fax
• Email
• HAM Radio Operators
• Information Channels
• Health Alert Network
• CrimeWeb
• Reverse 911 System

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Regional Media Campaign

• New County PIO Position
• Public Health Threats
• Bioterrorism Preparedness
• Media Outreach
• Emergency Communication Annex Drafted
• Regional One Voice Committee Member
• NCTCOG
• Regional Counties
• TDH Region 2/3
• Communication Brochure

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Cross County Cooperation

• Cross county meetings
• Regional strategic planning
• Sharing templates
• Regional communication systems
• Grant Opportunities
• Training opportunities
• NTX Poison Control

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QUESTIONS/COMMENTS