Emergency Preparedness & Response

All local public health agencies are required to prepare and respond to emergencies with public health or environmental health implication in coordination with local, state, and federal agencies, and public and private sector partners. SJBPH Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) can serve as, or support, the Emergency Support Function 8 (Public Health and Medical Services) lead for the county, region, or jurisdiction.

SJBPH Regional EPR staff serve Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata, Montezuma, and San Juan counties and provide support to the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes.

Preparedness & Planning

Are you and your family prepared for an emergency? SJBPH promotes community preparedness by communicating steps that can be taken before, during, or after a disaster. What does it mean for you and your family to be prepared for an emergency? Have you considered how you'd communicate with family members during an emergency, or planned where to meet in the event of an evacuation? Have you considered what to take if you had minutes to gather belongings?

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as other community members without healthcare backgrounds. MRC units engage these volunteers to strengthen public health, improve emergency response capabilities and build community resiliency. They prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks. They frequently contribute to community health activities that promote healthy habits. Examples of activities that MRC volunteers participate in and support include:

  • Disaster medical support
  • Emergency preparedness and response training
  • First aid during large public gatherings
  • Health education and promotion
  • Health screenings
  • Sheltering
  • Vaccination clinics
  • Veterinary support and pet preparedness

To sign up with the MRC, register on the Colorado Volunteer Mobilizer - read instructions (DOCX).

For questions about volunteering with the Southwest Colorado Regional MRC, call Lori Zazzaro at 970-335-2017 or via email.