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Johnny Clark: Bringing people together to prepare for public health emergencies
During a public health emergency like a major disease outbreak or a natural disaster, it will take everyone working together to keep people in our state safe and healthy. Johnny Clark’s job is to bring together local governments, law enforcement, businesses, first responders, health care providers and others to make sure they have plans that work jointly to prepare our communities. Johnny began as one of several state Emergency Response Coordinators in the Department of Health’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response program. His task was to involve as many southwest Washington partners as possible to create local emergency plans that would collectively prepare the region. “To successfully respond to a flu outbreak, bioterrorism attack or a natural disaster, all of our organizations must be on the same page,” he says. “It is so important to have plans in place, so we can pool resources and work as one to help the people of our communities.” The public also plays a key role in preparedness. There is good information on the state Department of Health Web site about what people can do to prepare their homes and their families for emergencies. Johnny is currently working with Washington’s tribes along with community and migrant health centers and clinics to make sure they’re included in local and regional emergency preparedness planning. The Department of Health recently contracted with most of Washington’s federally recognized tribes to identify their emergency preparedness needs. Funds are now being provided to help pay for tribal training and equipment. “Tribal governments are very interested in emergency preparedness,” Johnny says, “and they have a lot to offer as partners.” About the health centers & clinics, Johnny says, “The clinics are an important part of our communities. They give us a very effective way of communicating emergency preparedness information. No one knows when a public health emergency will happen. Johnny gets a lot of satisfaction knowing his work to help communities prepare today could save lives tomorrow. |
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02/08/2008 03:09 PM
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