Applications are open through October 31 for the 2025 cycle of Project Public Health Ready (PPHR). This criteria-based training and recognition program helps local health departments develop core public health and emergency preparedness competencies.
Benefits of Participation
The PPHR program helps local emergency preparedness agencies fully integrate into the response community and prepare for any public health emergency. The program offers local health departments (LHDs) an opportunity to build partnerships with local, state and federal leaders, community response partners and other stakeholders as well as facilitate collaboration and team building across their entire health department.
At the end of the 18-month program, LHDs will have a written comprehensive all-hazards response plan that aligns with the highest national and federal standards. Along with national recognition, participation in PPHR allows for LHDs to connect with their peers across their state to compare solutions to shared problems, drive periodic updates to plans, and build staff proficiency in their department’s emergency preparedness activities. The program promotes a culture of continuous quality improvement and collaboration to improve preparedness capabilities overall.
Program Background
For the past 20 years, PPHR, developed by NACCHO in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has provided LHDs the structure to build training and preparedness capacities using a continuous quality improvement (CQI) model.
The PPHR criteria are updated regularly to align with federal guidelines and national initiatives, including:
- CDC Public Health Preparedness Capabilities
- Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) Standards and Measures
- Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP)
- CDC Response Readiness Framework
Those LHDs who successfully complete the program are PPHR recognized for five (5) years with an opportunity to apply for re-recognition at the end of each five (5) year period.
Interested in Applying?
Click here to explore the 2025 application materials.
Click here to complete a Gap Analysis to see if your LHD is ready for PPHR.
