The Preparedness Policy Advisory Group (PPAG) held its monthly call on September 10 during National Preparedness Month. The workgroup welcomed new members Alison Brehmer from the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and Meghan Stepanek from the Baltimore City Health Department. NACCHO’s Chief of Government and Public Affairs briefed the PPAG on updates regarding the FY15 federal budget process. The group discussed and provided comments on a Social Media Risk Communications policy statement developed by NACCHO’s Risk Communications and Information Sharing workgroup. Additionally, representatives from CDC’s Division of Strategic National Stockpile provided an informational briefing on the Community Resilience Activity, a program that serves as the focal point for federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private-sector partners’ medical countermeasure distribution and dispense planning. Lastly, the group received an update on the following initiatives of interest to local health departments:
- National Preparedness Month communications and resources
- 2015 Preparedness Summit: Abstract Submission and Twitter Chat (Follow @PrepSummit and #Prep15 on Sept. 19 at 1PM EDT)
- Medical Reserve Corps Awards (opening at the end of September)
The next call will be on October 8.
