Frequently Asked Questions

»	What is an Advanced Practice Center (APC)?
»	Where are the APCs located?
»	Where do I find APC tools and resources?
»	How much do APC resources cost?
»	Are there specific preparedness topics the APCs work on?
»	Are there APC resources related to Pandemic Influenza?
»	Are APC products evaluated?
»	Who do I contact for more information?

What is an Advanced Practice Center (APC)?

Each APC is a local health department—one that has been tasked with addressing a particular public health preparedness challenge. Advanced Practice Centers exist to serve the public health community, providing resources ranging from training tools to prepare for and respond to mass casualty incidents to public education materials to tools to help you reach vulnerable populations.

Where are the APCs located?

Currently, there are eight APCs nationwide:

Mesa County (CO)
Montgomery County (MD)
Multnomah County (OR)
San Francisco (CA)
Seattle & King County (WA)
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Region 7
Tarrant County (TX)
Toledo-Lucas County (OH)

Where do I find APC tools and resources?

All APC-developed tools and resources are freely available and can be tailored to fit your community’s unique needs. Visit the APC Toolkit and search for resources by topic or state or select a resource. You can also download the "APC Product Matrix," which provides a complete and current listing of all APC resources.

How much do APC resources cost?

All APC tools are free of charge. Many of the tools are available for download in PDF format. Others may need to be ordered from the NACCHO Bookstore. In this instance, shipping and handling charges may apply.

Are there specific preparedness topics the APCs work on?

The APCs focus on a wide range of preparedness issues including:

Biosurveillance, disease detection, and investigation;
Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive preparedness;
Communications;
Continuity of operations planning;
Environmental health emergency preparedness;
Exercises;
Isolation and quarantine;
Mass fatality management;
Mass medical countermeasures;
Medical surge capacity;
Pandemic influenza preparedness;
Partnerships and collaborations;
Training; and
Vulnerable populations.

Are there APC resources related to Pandemic Influenza?

There are a number of resources that will complement your current pandemic flu planning efforts to improve your overall response capacity. "Pandemic Flu Preparedness: Resources with a Local Perspective" outlines what communities should do to prepare for pandemic flu and describes how the resources and experiences of the APCs can help your efforts.

Are APC products evaluated?

Yes, every tool and resource produced by the APCs is continually and independently evaluated to ensure that it effectively meets the needs of those working to prepare America's communities. In fact, a recent survey found that APC tools have not only helped public health departments standardize the work they perform and train their communities, but also can:

Save time and money by increasing organizational capacity;
Heighten awareness about emergency preparedness issues; and
Help staff better understand roles in a public health emergency.

Who do I contact for more information?

E-mail apc@naccho.org for more information, and an APC staff member will gladly assist you.