About Us
Health Center Partners of Southern California (HCP) has established a robust Emergency Preparedness & Response Program (EPRP) to enhance organizational readiness and resilience and ensure effective disaster management within our member Community Health Centers (CHCs). Through a strategic approach that encompasses planning, training, collaboration, and innovation, our program stands as a model of excellence poised to support CHCs nationwide in bolstering their emergency preparedness and response efforts.
Mission and Vision
The mission of the HCP Emergency Preparedness & Response Program is to develop comprehensive preparedness plans, exercises, and training to prevent, prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from various emergencies and disasters. Our priority is collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, aiming to build resilient organizations focused on community preparedness. Our vision involves ensuring that all member CHCs are effectively equipped for disaster response through planning, resource identification, and training.
Distinguishing Factors
What sets our program apart is our commitment to translating compliance requirements into fully functional, reliable, and repeatable training and readiness programs. We aim for true organizational readiness in a dynamic threat landscape, fostering employee trust, engagement, and security. Our approach surpasses mere regulatory compliance to focus on comprehensive readiness tailored to the specific needs of CHCs.
Services and Support
Services and support for member health centers include, but are not limited to:
- Peer networks dedicated to emergency preparedness, exercise planning and communication, and security.
- Vulnerability assessments and application assistance for safety and security grant funding opportunities.
- Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) support.
- Workplace violence prevention program development, advising, and assistance.
- Monthly training events (1-hour+).
- Biannual Community Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Academy (1-full or 2-half days), at no-cost to members. We train using the principles and guidance outlined in the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP), which is the preferred training and exercise format for CMS, SWMHE, state agencies, etc.
- Certified STOP THE BLEED® training using materials specially developed to teach bleeding control techniques.
- Provide training and support on the core elements of the CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule: review response plans based on an all-hazards risk assessment, develop a communications plan, ensuring policies and procedures are consistent with response plans, and assist during the training and testing of your response program.
- Representation in County Healthcare Coalitions in all three member counties (San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial) and over four years’ service as the clinic co-chair for the San Diego Healthcare Disaster Coalition (SDHDC).
- Representation in the San Diego Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), Advisory Committee, Budget Subcommittee, and others.
- Representation at the California Primary Care Association (CPCA) Emergency Management Peer Network (EMPN) and three years’ service in chair and co-chair positions.
- Representation at the San Diego County Health Services Capacity Task Force.
- Team member board certified by ASIS International in security management as a Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Emergency Management, and Disaster Healthcare.
- All team members are licensed HAM Radio operators for redundant emergency communications.
- Full-service consulting that can be customized to meet the needs of external organizations to build emergency preparedness programs and enhance training and awareness.
Innovative Projects
Community Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Academy (CHEPA): Hosting biannual symposia, the CHEPA brings together CHCs and subject matter experts to address complex hazards through tabletop exercises, networking opportunities, and policy development. These events, held in various formats, have attracted attendees from across the country, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Since 2021, HCP’s Emergency Preparedness & Response Program has hosted four symposia and welcomed hundreds of attendees, presenters and subject matter experts from CHCs, Regional Associations of California (RACs), multiple Primary Care Associations (PCAs) from across the country, health care coalitions, hospitals, government agencies, non-profits, community partners and others with attendees from over 15 U.S. states and territories.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Grant: Health Center Partners has secured funding under a DHS grant program that enables us to enhance workplace violence prevention and intervention programs, including the establishment and training of threat management teams at member CHCs.
De-escalation Training Program: We are launching a de-escalation training program utilizing the Multiple Interactive Learning Objective (MILO) system. This program allows organizations to practice de-escalation and customer service techniques through immersive video-based scenarios.
Transitioning to a National Program of Excellence
With our proven track record, expertise, and innovative approach, HCP's Emergency Preparedness & Response Program is well-positioned to serve as a national program of excellence. By sharing our resources, best practices, and collaborative framework, we can support CHCs nationwide in fortifying their emergency preparedness and response efforts. Our focus on fostering a culture of preparedness, collaboration, and innovation aligns seamlessly with the needs of CHCs across the country.
Our program stands as a testament to HCP's dedication to organizational resilience and community well-being. We look forward to sharing and leveraging our expertise and resources, supporting CHCs nationwide in their mission to prepare for, respond to, and recover effectively from emergencies and disasters.
CONTACT US: prepared@hcpsocal.org
