In 2008, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) and the North Dakota Long Term Care Association (NDLTCA) partnered to increase emergency preparedness activities for the long term care facilities throughout the state. Grant funding under the Healthcare Preparedness Program (also referred to as the Hospital Preparedness Program) was delegated to NDLTCA in order to hire a part-time position to assist in preparing facilities for potential emergencies. In 2009, flooding in the Red River Valley reminded all of us about the importance of planning and collaboration. Long term care facilities were evacuated and residents placed throughout the state. The challenges were overwhelming, but we worked together and learned a great deal about what we would do better “next time.” We were faced with flood threats in 2010, but the result was not evacuation. The coalition in Fargo, as well as with other entities throughout the state, was stronger and better prepared than the year before. In 2011, Minot, and much of the rest of the state, was overcome with water. Once again, we were reminded that we can get better at preparing, and that relationships are critical.
Each year we are faced with emergency situations and 2020-23 has been the most challenging as we come together to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
These web pages will help you better prepare for, or recover from, a disaster. There is guidance on how to request and respond to HAN (Health Alert Networks) drills and real events. We have included information on completing and working with Healthcare (HC) standard. There is also links to lists of contact information for city, county, and state resources for building strong relationships with emergency responders in your community.
The EPR division of the Department of Health and Human Services will also assist you with completion of training and exercising to satisfy reporting requirements and prepare for an emergency that may happen in the future.