Our Vision - Healthy People

Media contacts:

Kristina Wieghmink, Communications Specialist

616-494-5597 or kwieghmink@miottawa.org

Jennifer Sorek, Preparedness Coordinator

616-393-5655 or jsorek@miottawa.org

January 24, 2018  |  Ottawa County

Health department protects Ottawa County from emergencies and disasters through the national Project Public Health Ready recognition program

The Ottawa County Department of Public Health (OCDPH) has been recognized by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to and recover from public health emergencies. The OCDPH demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The OCDPH joins a cohort of 500 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region. 

"Our community is a leader in emergency preparedness—in public health, in public safety and in other disciplines and we are proud to have been recognized by Project Public Health Ready for our high level of preparedness. Many thanks to all who worked so hard to prepare our department to be recognized as a leader," said Administrative Health Officer Lisa Stefanovsky of the Ottawa County Department of Public Health.

PPHR recognition confirms that the OCDPH has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency. Local health departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government requirements and other national best practices. PPHR recognition also requires health departments to collaborate with their state, local and community partners to develop plans that account for all the constituents in their jurisdictions

“When disaster strikes, it affects local communities and local health departments are a critical part of any first response to disease outbreaks, emergencies and acts of terrorism,” said Dr. William Barnes, Interim Executive Director & Chief Program Officer. “NACCHO commends the Ottawa County Department of Public Health for being a model of public health emergency preparedness.”

 NACCHO, the voice of the 2,800 local health departments across the country, provides resources to help local health department leaders develop public health policies and programs to ensure that communities have access to vital programs and services that people need to keep them protected from disease and disaster. Its mission is to be a leader, partner, catalyst and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that promote health and equity, combat disease and improve the quality and length of all lives.

For more information on Project Public Health Ready, including recognized sites, project tools and resources, visit http://www.naccho.org/PPHR.

Ottawa County Department of Public Health is dedicated to protecting health and promoting quality of life through prevention and control of disease, injury and disability. We help assure conditions in which all people can achieve optimum health, so residents may benefit from using our evidence based public health programs and services. Public Health has a vital role in all of our lives, and empowers communities with the necessary tools, knowledge, resources and opportunities to make lasting change.

www.miOttawa.org/miHealth

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.