Public Health Preparedness

Public Health Preparedness

Discuss the role of the US federal government and its agencies and departments in contrast to that of local and state public health agencies in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies.

It is the primary duty of the local government to protect its citizens during times of emergencies. Emergencies are handled at the lowest possible government level (Kohlen, 2015). At the local government level, police, fire, public health and medical emergency are services that are managed there. The state comes in where local government has insufficient resources and expertise to deal with a crisis.

The state government provides technical support, monetary aid, resources, and expertise required in the management of an emergency when its magnitude is a ripple. The federal government in the US has introduced the department of homeland security. It is responsible for protection and safety of the country and its citizens from Maillard natural and human-made disaster. The department also has an important role which involves ensuring border security, transportation emergencies preparedness, information, and technology (Kohlen, 2015).).

Within the department of homeland security there exists the federal emergency management agency (FEMA). FEMA primary role is to take actions to overcome the problems after emergencies. The different programs that FEMA has include food, hurricanes, dams, and earthquakes. FEMA works together with the federal government to overcome such calamities.

FEMA has a mitigation directorate responsible for pre-emergency actions. This ensures there are minimal loss of property and injuries by identifying and minimizing risks. The efforts by the branch ensure that minimum time is taken to recover the loss.

References

Kohlen, H. M. (2015). Decision-making processes in nursing and activities at the end of life in intensive care. An international comparative study, 28 (6), 329-338.