California Department of Health Services

Exercises of Emergency Pandemic Plans and Alert & Notification Operational Procedures

July 2006 – Present

James Lee Witt Associates (JLWA) was retained by the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) to assist with planning for response, recovery and mitigation against pandemic influenza. Specifically, JLWA has supported these preparedness efforts by designing and executing comprehensive table top training exercises. After completion of the exercises, JLWA drafted after-action reports to identify gaps in the CDHS plans, policies and procedures. These after-action reports also make recommendations for improvement.

Several of the critical recommendations are being implemented. CDHS has asked JLWA to revise its plans, notably in the development of alert and notification procedures. The objective of this task is to significantly minimize the time needed to communicate internal incident response information and to decrease notification time to staff members whose presence is mandatory at the Emergency Operations Center. JLWA's approach has provided CDHS with integrated services that proactively maintain stability and continuity in emergency planning.

The California Department of Health Services (CDHS) is one of largest departments in state government, with over 5,000 employees working in its Sacramento headquarters, and over 60 field office throughout the state. As part of its mandate the CDHS administers a broad range of public and clinical programs which provide healthcare services to Californians.

Visit California Department of Health Services webpage