Georgia’s Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalitions have been formed to help bridge gaps and improve healthcare preparedness for disasters. County, community, or organizational plans alone may not be sufficient to take care of the health care needs during and after a disaster; therefore a regional approach is needed to improve the continuity of healthcare. Healthcare organizations planning together will create a more prepared and resilient healthcare system.
Georgia’s hospitals have been planning together since 2007 to coordinate healthcare disaster response. Recognizing that hospitals alone are not sufficient to take care of the health care needs after a disaster, Georgia has expanded regional planning coordination to the healthcare system at-large. Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalitions include but are not limited to planning partners such as:
- Hospitals
- Community Health Centers
- Emergency Management Agencies (EMA)
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
- Nursing Homes/Long Term Care
- Hospice/Palliative Care
- Public Health
- Home Health
- Mental/Behavioral Health Providers
- Dialysis Centers
- Pharmacies
- Volunteer Agencies
- Public Safety/First Responders
- Military Installations
- Schools and Universities
What are the Benefits of Membership in a Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalition?
- Build new and stronger relationships with other healthcare organizations
- Learn about available resources in the region and state
- Have your organization’s concerns heard
- Have access to training and grant funding
- Be involved in regional coordinated emergency and disaster plans
- Meet some of the requirements related to emergency plans and exercises
How Can My Organization Join a Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalition?
The Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalitions typically meet quarterly. Contact your Regional Coordinating Hospital (RCH) or District Public Health Office for more information about the Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalition in your area.
Ben Hill, Berrien, Cook, Echols, Irwin, Lanier, Lowndes, Tift, & Turner Counties
Region L: Tift Regional Medical Center (Regional Coordinating Hospital)
Eddie Senkbeil, Tift Regional Emergency Management Coordinator | eddie.senkbeil@tiftregional.com
Lauren Robinson, South Health District 8-1 Emergency Preparedness Director | lauren.robinson@dph.ga.gov
Frank Johnson, South Health District 8-1 Healthcare Coalition Facilitator | frank.johnson3@dph.ga.gov
Region L Healthcare Coalition website: www.regionlcoalition.org
Brooks County
Region K: Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital (Regional Coordinating Hospital)
Julie Miller, Phoebe Putney Emergency Preparedness Coordinator | jlmiller@phoebehealth.com
Sonja Marie Moody, Southwest District 8-2 Emergency Preparedness Director | sonja.moody@dph.ga.gov
Kenesha Bush, Southwest District 8-2 Healthcare Coalition Facilitator | kenesha.bush@dph.ga.gov
