Rolled out nationally in 2014, the Medical Countermeasure Operational Readiness Review (MCM ORR) serves as the national standard to assess health department capacity for distributing and dispensing medical countermeasures (MCM) in response to public health emergencies. Developed and implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of State and Local Readiness, this tool measures MCM operational and planning capabilities for local and state health departments. By 2022, the CDC aims to have all health departments that complete an MCM ORR to earn a “proficient” rating across all scoring categories. In an effort to advance this goal, NACCHO recently updated its online Toolbox with MCM ORR specific keywords, making it easier and quicker to find relevant resources. The NACCHO Toolbox is a clearinghouse of resources, tools, templates, plans, guidance, websites, protocols, trainings, and examples to help local health departments advance their work.
MCM ORR keywords and corresponding tools were selected based on a comprehensive review of the the 1,200 tools found in the NACCHO Toolbox. First, keywords were added for each of the eight CDC Public Health Preparedness (PHP) Capabilities within the MCM ORR Tool. Second, an additional 184 tools identified as relevant to particular CDC capabilities were linked with keywords to expedite searches for practical examples and resources related to completing an MCM ORR. Health department staff can use these keywords to narrow their MCM ORR search to three distinct categories, including PHP capability, exercise-specific tools, and resources for completing an MCM ORR.
Three NACCHO Toolbox Shortcuts for MCM ORR Resources
Shortcut I: To search by Public Health Preparedness Capability, first access the NACCHO Toolbox website, next use the “Search tools now” field to type in one of the following eight capabilities:
- PHP Capability 1
- PHP Capability 3
- PHP Capability 4
- PHP Capability 6
- PHP Capability 8
- PHP Capability 9
- PHP Capability 14
- PHP Capability 15
NACCHO also offers two easy-to-search reference guides combining key tools and guidance documents on all 15 Public Health Preparedness Capabilities. Each document includes an overview of capabilities by priority gap areas, challenges, and health department resource needs, vetted and selected based on input from subject matter experts and feedback from local health departments. Both Resource Portfolios can be particularly beneficial when assessing gaps related to the eight capabilities included in the MCM ORR, and can be accessed using the below links:
- Resource Portfolio (2016) on Capabilities 1, 6, 8, 9, 13
- Resource Portfolio (2014) on Capabilities 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15
Shortcut II: To search by exercise-specific tools (including resources on planning exercises and practical examples) first access the NACCHO Toolbox website, next use the “Search tools now” field to type in exercises, and finally to further narrow results, use the “Search tools now” field again to type in MCM ORR.
Shortcut III: To search for tools on completing the MCM ORR (including crosswalks, protocols, and other resources designed to streamline the MCM ORR completion process) first access the NACCHO Toolbox website, next use the “Search tools now” field to type in MCM ORR Tool.
Additional Useful Tips and Resources
The comprehensive list of all MCM ORR related tools in the NACCHO Toolbox, can also be viewed by using the “Search tools now” field to type in MCM ORR. Additionally, state and local health department staff are highly encouraged to add their own MCM ORR resources by clicking the “Submit a tool,” tab at the top of the NACCHO Toolbox webpage.
For more information on using the NACCHO Toolbox to locate MCM ORR specific tools, including screenshots illustrating instructions detailed in this blog, click to view the NACCHO Fact Sheet. Local health departments can also request technical assistance on locating or using any of the MCM ORR related resource found in the NACCHO Toolbox by contacting Raymond Puerini via email or by phone 202-507-4257.
