The traditional role of local public health, in Connecticut and across the country, is changing. Public Health has been added to the list of emergency responders. EHHD has completed its state-mandated Emergency Response Plans. Through the development of these plans, EHHD is engaged with local and regional partners to ensure that critical resources will be coordinated efficiently and effectively in the event of a large-scale emergency.

EHHD updates plans, and conducts trainings and drills to strengthen the public health infrastructure in our communities.

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT OUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The Health District relies heavily on community volunteers to carry out its response role in an emergency. Volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, psychiatrists and psychologists and veterinarians as well as community members without any medical background, have joined together to help their neighbors during a time of need.

The Eastern Highlands Health District has two options for volunteers. Volunteers can serve as Public Health Reservists, remaining inactive until called upon to respond, only during a Public Health Emergency, or serve in the Eastern Highlands Health District with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) – an active volunteer organization that serves a primary role during emergencies, meets regularly for training, engages in community projects such as flu clinics, health fairs and emergency training for our citizens and qualifies volunteers for deployment anywhere in Connecticut during an emergency.

For more information go to Volunteer Now!