The Health Preparedness Program is charged with increasing health system capacities to respond to acts of bioterrorism, other infectious disease outbreaks, and other public health threats and emergencies. It coordinates local, regional and statewide planning to:
- Upgrade infectious disease surveillance and investigation;
- Improve Idaho’s hospitals, emergency medical services and clinics to adequately care for large numbers of patients (surge capacity) and/or victims with unusual or highly specialized medical needs;
- Expand public health laboratory and communication capacities;
- Develop influenza pandemic response capabilities; and
- Provide for the distribution of antibiotics and vaccines.
The Health Preparedness Program has recently added two vital systems to Idaho's preparedness efforts:
- The Idaho Hospital Bed Tracking System, a web-hosted system available to all licensed hospitals in Idaho; and
- A statewide automated, emergency system for the advanced registration of volunteer health professionals during emergencies. This program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Department of Health and Human Services.