While the impact of last year’s catastrophic events can not be overstated, there are several positive outcomes from these human tragedies. The most significant is the opportunity to align the efforts of the Louisiana Primary Care Association (LPCA) with local regional and State agencies in a formalized relationship. The initiative to incorporate Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s) into a broad alliance of healthcare providers has been initiated with highly laudable results. The initiative, to offer medical support throughout the State during emergencies, has been met by State level planners in the Departments of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and Social Services  (DSS) with a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. The LPCA is now formally recognized and represented in Emergency Preparedness forums and coordination activities at the State and Regional levels. This has resulted in the inclusion of the LPCA and its member FQHC’s into State Emergency Support Function (ESF) plans. This recognition opens the way for expanded cooperative initiatives. LPCA now has a “seat at the table” and the opportunity to greatly expand its influence within the medical support community.

The LPCA’s role in disaster and emergency operations is now identified as an integral part of the State’s “Adopt-A-Shelter” program, designed as part of the Joint Louisiana/Federal ESF-8 Hurricane Response Plan (2006). This program is coordinated through DHH for medical support of General Population (GP) shelters administered by DSS> The LPCA ,through its member FQHC’s has been asked to provide medical oversight of out-patient evaluation and treatment, prescription renewals, and other services during emergencies at predestinated GP shelters. At present there are four in-state locations identified. Coordination to develop policies and procedures to implement this program is ongoing. The concept is for a regionally based plan supported by LPCA Designated Regional Coordinators (DRC). These DRCs have been identified and a notional job description has been developed. At present only Regions IV,VII and VIII have dedicated shelters within there areas of operation. More permanent shelters may be identified in the near future. Coordinated FQHC response to other emergencies is also being developed on a statewide basis.

As envisioned, during other declared emergency or disaster situations, The LPCA would assist in the facilitation and augmentation  of primary medical care to Priority 2 (non-ARC-American Red Cross) general population shelters though its statewide network of clinics. The Associations has agreed to provide, within the scope of primary healthcare services, assistance on a regional basis through predesignated staff members and identified volunteer health professionals from the DHH administered volunteer pool. LPCA will also assist where appropriate and within available assets, other services identified on a clinic specific basis. Coordinating activities may include the requisition and support of mobile “Strike Teams”, immunizations, pharmaceutical support and treatment to pre-identified unique populations, within the scope of the supporting FQHC.

In order to facilitate the process of emergency preparedness, LPCA established an Emergency Preparedness Planning Committee charged with the responsibility to develop guidelines, policy recommendations and procedures specific to the LPCA.

This task began with a comprehensive asset inventory and vulnerability assessment with emphasis on a subsequent needs analysis. Communications was deemed to be the most critical deficiency identified and therefore a comprehensive communications plan was designed and approved. Funding to address this issue has been received and initiatives to acquire the necessary hardware have begun. Fielding of new communications equipment will now begin. This preliminary groundwork has resulted in the development of a draft user’s guide for emergency preparedness and is currently being staffed for comments and initial plan development. Additionally the Guide will assist in the integration of medical support functions with other state and local activities.

The development of emergency preparedness planning is an evolving process. As we continue to participate in state and regional level initiatives, many new opportunities will present themselves. These opportunities can and will turn into legacy programs if we continue on our present course. What we are doing today will lead to models for others to follow. The future of LPCA as a full partner with the State of    Louisiana in emergency preparedness is bright and becoming brighter ever day. We have “Weathered the Storm”.

   As of August 7, 2006 the LPCA has successfully $666, 665 in grant monies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fund its Emergency Preparedness Communications Network.