How We Prepare

Public Health Emergency Preparedness & Response Capabilities

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health’s Office of Public Health Preparedness plays a lead role in the state’s emergency response for two key emergency support functions (ESF):

  1. Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services 
  2. Public Health and Medical Services 

Emergency support functions, as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provide the structure for coordinating federal interagency support for a federal response to an incident. 

Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing and Human Services 

The OPHP coordinates the emergency response for the care of the public on a mass scale including sheltering efforts during disasters. As part of this key emergency support function, the OPHP works to:

  • Establish shelters for affected populations
  • Provide emergency assistance, including food, water, and medical services
  • Ensure access to housing and human services for displaced individuals
  • Collaborate with local organizations to meet community needs

Public Health and Medical Services 

The OPHP protects public health and provides medical assistance during emergencies. As part of this key emergency support function, the OPHP is responsible for:

  • Coordinating  medical response efforts, including the distribution of medications and vaccines
  • Managing Strategic National Stockpile distribution during public health crises.
  • Providing public health surveillance and monitoring to identify and respond to health threats
  • Facilitating communication between healthcare providers and emergency management agencies

Together, these functions provide a comprehensive response to public health emergencies that ensures the safety and well-being of Hawaiʻi’s residents during crises. 

Department Operations Center (DOC)

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) Department Operations Center (DOC) is a vital hub for managing public health and medical services during emergencies. The DOC serves as the coordination center for the Hawaiʻi DOH, linking closely with County and State Emergency Operations Centers.

DOC is responsible for:

  • Prioritizing incidents with a focus on protecting life, resources, and the environment.
  • Supporting operations by enhancing incident management and field operations.
  • Acting as the Information hub by collecting and processing data to aid decision-making.
  • Coordinating requests by gathering and organizing requests for assistance and information.
  • Developing strategies to create and maintain effective responses during public health emergencies. 

Staff Training:

The DOC provides specialized training for DOH staff involved in the state’s emergency response. Training is available through the Hawaiʻi Training Finder Real‐time Affiliate Integrated Network (TRAIN) Learning Management System and includes prerequisite courses including:

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a nationwide network of volunteers dedicated to enhancing public health, resilience, and disaster preparedness in local communities. With over 900 units across the U.S. and its territories, the MRC mobilizes both medical professionals and community members. No healthcare experience is needed. Founded after the 9/11 attacks, the MRC recruits and trains volunteers to address community health needs during emergencies.

How the MRC Helps

As part of the State Department of Health, the Hawaiʻi MRC, Nā Lima Kākoʻo, springs into action during disasters, providing essential support. Volunteers assist in shelters, distribute medicines, and offer community assistance. They participate in training, preparedness exercises, and health initiatives, and help to build resilient communities.

Join the Hawaiʻi MRC

Ready to volunteer and make a difference? Register for Nā Lima Kākoʻo online.

Oahu Medical Reserve Corps
Phone: (808) 207-4566 | Email

Maui County Health Volunteers
Phone: (808) 243-8649 | Email

Big Island Medical Reserve Corps
Phone: (808) 974-6010 | Email

Kauai Medical Reserve Corps
Phone: (808) 241-3420 | Email

Strategic National Stockpile

In emergencies, the Federal government and the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) work together to safeguard residents and visitors. The DOH plays a vital role in distributing lifesaving medications and devices through the Strategic National Stockpile, created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide rapid access to pharmaceuticals during disasters, bioterror attacks, or pandemics.

Point of Distribution 

A Point of Distribution (POD) is a designated location where the public can receive medications or vaccines during a health emergency. Typically set up in accessible venues like schools or community centers, PODs focus solely on distributing medications quickly. Routine medical care is not provided. During a public health crisis, the DOH will activate PODs to deliver essential medications and vaccines to those affected.

Getting Medicine During an Emergency

When a public health emergency occurs, PODs will be established to efficiently provide necessary supplies. Location details will be available on the Hawaiʻi DOH website. To receive medication at a POD, individuals must complete an Emergency Medication Screening Form. An online tool may be used to help generate a voucher and identify the nearest POD location.