CDC Grand Rounds: Addressing Preparedness Challenges for Children in Public Health Emergencies

Recent public health emergencies including Hurricane Katrina, the influenza H1N1 pandemic, and the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa have demonstrated the importance of multiple-level emergency planning and response. An effective response requires integrating coordinated contributions from community-based health care providers, regional health care coalitions, state and local health departments, and federal agency initiatives. This is especially important when planning for the needs of children, who make up 23% of the US population and have unique needs that require unique planning strategies. Here, Hinton et al detail the role of community-level pediatricians and state and local health departments in promoting preparedness among families, practice effective risk communication, and ensure that their practices are ready to respond in the event of an emergency. They also discuss how regionalization of health care resources can help address inadequate local ability to manage a sudden influx of pediatric patients.