Public Health Emergency Preparedness
The purpose of the health department’s emergency preparedness program is to improve the department’s ability to respond to threats to public health, including bioterrorism, earthquakes, and potential disease outbreaks.
The health department:
- Provides emergency preparedness awareness and education, including 72-hour kits at health fairs and other forums.
- Collaborates with partners (the Local Emergency Preparedness Committee, Red Cross, Veterans Administration, St. Peter's Hospital, etc.) that provide emergency services in an effort to integrate community preparedness.
- Offers presentations about pandemic influenza and 72-hour preparedness to community groups.
- Facilitates volunteer opportunities at the health department both during regular operations and during emergencies.
Public Health Emergency Response Plans
- Public Health All Hazard Annex to County Emergency Operations Plan, Aug. 2018
- Communicable Disease Investigation and Surveillance Protocol, July 2017
- Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions Plan, Oct. 2019
Resources for Individual and Family Preparedness
Disaster Preparedness Calendar (screen reader version)
Make a Family Communication Plan
Fred the Preparedness Dog (resources and activities for children, parents, teachers)
Drenda Niemann
Health Officer
406-457-8900
Eric Merchant
Division Administrator
406-457-8900
Brett Lloyd
Emergency Preparedness Specialist
406-457-8897
Public Health: Emergency Responders without Uniforms
When you think of emergency responders, public health might not immediately come to mind. But history has shown that biological attacks on our population can be just as deadly and disruptive – perhaps even more so -- as natural disasters and mass shootings. Read more.