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Office of Emergency Response
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness on Campus
Coordinated and effective responses to emergencies on campus are guided by the University of Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan. Due to the complicated issues posed by a pandemic, additional, supplemental planning is warranted and is being developed by the Academic Health Center Emergency Response Team.
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Mission
The AHC Office of Emergency Response (formerly known as the Emergency Preparedness Program) was established in 2004 to ensure that public health issues affecting the University community are addressed in a timely, efficient, and effective manner while utilizing the available resources and expertise available both internal and external to the University. The Office also serves to coordinate and organize available resources within the Academic Health Center in preparation to assist community partners during a local, state, or national health emergency, and in so doing, provides unique educational and experiential opportunities for AHC students, staff, and faculty.
Six Areas of Responsibility
Planning
- Develop detailed preparedness and response plans to supplement the U of M Emergency Operations Plan as needed (such as pandemic influenza or bioterrorism event).
- Represent the AHC/U of M with external partners including Minnesota Department of Health, county health departments, hospitals, and health systems
- Provide guidance and support as needed to campuses in Crookston, Duluth, and Morris; share information with other colleges and universities locally and nationally.
AHC Emergency Response Team
Participate on the AHC Emergency Response Team, and provide primary administrative and technical support to the Team and the Public Health Officer.
Medical Reserve Corps
Direct and support the development, maintenance, and growth of the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps comprised of student, staff, and faculty volunteers from the Academic Health Center and Boynton Health Service. These personnel may be called upon during a large scale emergency to provide assistance related to mass dispensing, triage, and care; diagnostic capabilities and laboratory surge capacity; enhanced disease surveillance and case investigation; and emergency hotline support.
Training
Develop training materials and programs for Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and others in close partnership with the SPH Center for Public Health Preparedness and the SON/SPH Minnesota Emergency Readiness Education and Training (MERET) program.
Exercises and Drills
Develop, implement, and evaluate tabletop, drill, and functional exercises designed to test response plans and interagency coordination. Actively participate in exercises and drills hosted by partners at the local, regional, and state level.
Curricular Enhancements and Interdisciplinary Education
Explore opportunities for curricular enhancements related to emergency preparedness and disaster response within each school/college and interdisciplinary opportunities.
Office of Emergency Response
| Staff |
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Faculty Advisors |
Jill DeBoer, MPH
Director
jdeboer@umn.edu
612 625-3958 |
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Timothy W. Schacker, MD
Infectious Disease |
Elizabeth McClure, MD, MPH
Medical Director
mccl0216@umn.edu
612 624-3119 |
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John L. Hick, MD
Emergency Medicine |
Joan Rambeck, RN, CNP, MS
Operations and Training Coordinator
rambe026@umn.edu
612 624-2286 |
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Craig W. Hedberg, PhD
Outbreak Investigation |
Kathy Berlin, RN, PHN
MRC Coordinator
berli034@umn.edu
612 626-4722 |
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B.R. Simon Rosser, PhD, MPH, LP
Mental Health |
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John R. Finnegan, Jr., PhD
Public Health |
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