PERLC Success Stories

Texas A&M University and Pandemic Influenza
When H1N1 influenza hit in spring 2009, Texas was one of the first states with deaths from the outbreak. The Rural Pandemic Influenza Public Engagement (R-PIPE) Project built community capacity by organizing local resources to create local solutions to improving community health.

Texas A&M University Public Health Risk Assessment Tool
Stakeholders came together to develop a tool that would: efficiently and effectively function for small, medium and large jurisdictions in Texas, measure and rank 41 hazards, account for mitigation factors based on preparedness capabilities, detail the impact of hazards, and had utility for public health preparedness strategic planning.

University of Alabama at Birmingham Plays a Key Role in Planning the Magnolia Blossom 2013 Exercise
A six month planning process lead to a multi-day full scale state-level exercise to test the Mississippi State Department of Health and its Emergency Support Function 8 partners’ ability to respond to a large scale anthrax attack.

University of Arizona Mass Clinic Plan for Walk-Up Point of Distribution for Vaccines
Developing a plan to distribution vaccines and antibiotics to a large segment of the population during a public health emergency is no small undertaking. The Mountain West PERLC developed a plan and evaluated the plan’s mass prophylaxis and volunteer and donations management capabilities.

University of Iowa Community Risk Assessment Tool Helps Coalition Building
The Upper Midwest PERLC collaborated with partners to develop online tools for conducting community risk assessments. The utility of the tool was enhanced by scenario-based training that provides guidance on fundamentals of community-based planning.

PERLC Success in Public Health Emergency Response

Columbia University and University of Albany Respond During Hurricane Sandy
Hurricane Sandy was the 18th named storm of the 2012 Atlantic hurricane season. It was also referred to as Superstorm Sandy. It then merged with the polar jet stream and an arriving cold front, slamming into southern New Jersey. Two PERLC mobilized to support state and local public health agencies with relief efforts.

PERLC Success in Public Health Emergency Training

University of Minnesota Develops ICS Simulation Training
The “Global Outbreak: A Public Health ICS Simulation” offers training on application of Incident Command System (ICS) concepts. The tool can be used to help public health professionals prepare for their role to work in State Health Department Operations Centers.