Preparedness

Gilmer County Health Department acts as the primary administrative agency for health threats and health-related aspects of disasters affecting Gilmer County as part of the national preparedness system as mandated in U.S. Presidential Policy Directive - 8.  In this regard the agency places emphasis on involving the community in preparing for natural disasters; biological, chemical, or terrorist attacks; pandemic influenza and other diseases; mass casualties; and mass immunization or medication dispensing to county residents and affected visitors.

Gilmer County Health Department's main objectives are to:

  • Maintain and provide public health services during health-related and other disaster or emergencies.
  • Educate the public regarding health and disease during disasters or emergencies.
  • Conduct disease and health surveillance for purposes of situational awareness and to inform emergency response efforts.
  • When necessary and applicable, mass dispense medications and vaccines to county residents.
  • Manage and recruit trained professionals and other interested individuals to the local medical volunteer registry (WVREDI).
  • Assist families and businesses prepare for health-related and other disasters and emergencies.
  • Prepare and maintain health and pandemic response annexes of the broader Gilmer County emergency response plan.
  • Exercise health emergency response plans.
  • Train medical and other volunteers in Gilmer County in health response roles in accordance with health response plans.
  • Prepare and maintain Gilmer County Health Department specific continuity of operations plans.

WVREDI

Become a Public Health Response Volunteer

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Public Health Volunteer Training

National Incident Management System Online Training

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