Health care preparedness is a collaboration between key health care organizations and associations to develop and enhance hospital and other health care entities’ capacity and capability to respond to terrorism, natural disasters and other public health emergencies. Equipment and supply trailers, interoperable communication systems, medical surge caches, and/or competency-based education have been provided to hospitals, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other health care entities.

Health care preparedness is funded through the Assistance Secretary for Preparedness and Response Hospital Preparedness Grant and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services contracts with the Missouri Hospital Association, St. Louis Area Regional Response System, Mid-America Regional Council, the Department of Mental Health and Missouri Primary Care Association, University of Missouri, MO-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team and the Taney County Ambulance District to implement and sustain the program.