Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP)

Our Focus

The health and safety of the citizens of Madera County is our primary concerns. PHEP focuses on preparedness and response activities that could seriously affect the health and wellness of people in Madera County. Examples include but are not limited to outbreaks of infectious diseases or bioterrorism events. They can also be unintentional, such as hazardous spills or releases of radiation and chemicals that might harm our food, water, or air. Natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods, or extreme heat are also considered emergencies.

Our Mission

Our mission is to ensures the county’s first responders and health care system are prepared to handle health emergencies by providing training and expertise in planning and community education. This encourages all involved to work together effectively when there is a public health emergency. Efforts include partnerships with key groups such as hospitals, clinics, emergency services, and other county organizations to ensure consistency and an effective, united emergency response.

Public Health Emergency Preparedness works to:

• Prepare and plan for public health emergencies with community partners and agencies with whom we respond.
• Coordinate with epidemiology regarding surveillance of disease within the county to ensure early detection of outbreaks.
• Plan for social distancing measures such as isolation, quarantine, and the closing of venues to decrease the spread of disease.
• Plan for dissemination of health information during public health emergencies to ensure residents and visitors have the most accurate and updated information.
• Plan for mass countermeasure dispensing/vaccination to residents and visitors in the event of an emergency where medications/vaccines are available.
• Exercise with community partners and agencies to ensure a timely and well-coordinated response.