The Preparedness Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) held its four call of the year on November 9, 2016. The meeting’s central presentation featured, Christine Kosmos and Todd Talbert, representing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Division of State and Local Readiness (DSLR). They began with an informational update on the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) funding announcement and program plan. They also highlighted key issues and future consideration around the CDC Medical Countermeasure (MCM) Operational Readiness Review (ORR) tool, identified as a result of last year’s evaluation by state and local partners.

In addition to CDC presentations, Sarah Getachew, NACCHO Program Analyst, introduced the newly developed Health Care Coalition Policy statement, created to guide LHDs in the development and utilization of Healthcare Coalitions (HCCs). PPAG members were then asked provide input on this resource from the local health department perspective.

Other discussions included a review of NACCHOs Administrative Preparedness Implementation and Development (RAPID) funding opportunity and the 2016-2017 National Health Security Awards Program. The next PPAG call is scheduled for December 14, 2016.

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The Preparedness Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) is NACCHO’s overarching preparedness workgroup, focusing on national preparedness policy, planning, and implementation issues. The PPAG seeks to strengthen the voice of local health departments on national policy issues related to the planning, response, and recovery from disasters and other emergencies. In addition, the PPAG provides input and feedback to NACCHO to inform the organization’s position on a variety of high-level initiatives. PPAG consist of LHD preparedness representatives from each state and each of the four directly funded cities (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York City, and Washington DC). For more information, contact Porschea Lewis, NACCHO staff lead for PPAG.