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Health Emergency Management

The main focus of the Health Emergency Management (HEM) program is to ensure that the health sector of Newfoundland and Labrador is able to provide an effective coordinated response to the health needs of provincial residence during an operational disruption or disaster event. HEM will provide support to Regional Health Authorities (RHAs) and facilitate the coordination of the support activities of other levels of government, departments, agencies and organizations at the provincial level during an event.

HEM provides assistance through a Departmental Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) for the initiation and development of Regional Health Emergency Management plans, programs and infrastructure projects. National JEPP funding is also available through Fire and Emergency Services Newfoundland and Labrador (FES-NL). The National Emergency Stockpile System stock in the province is managed by HEM in three main storage facilities throughout the province. There are smaller stores of NESS in various other locations. This system is supported by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). HEM conducts training and provides supports for three NESS deployment teams at three locations in the province. The NESS training unit is also used in mock disaster exercises during Disaster Preparedness Week and at other times during the year to promote awareness and involvement in emergency planning.

• The National JEPP is a Public Safety Canada Program
• The NESS is a PHAC program
• HEM and RHAs emergency management planners work as a team to promote and provide necessary awareness and training in health emergency management principles and techniques. The Health Sector participates collectively in training and participates with FES-NL and other training providers, such as the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) to provide the required training programs.
• FES-NL training programs list is available on their Website.
• JIBC training programs list is available on their Website.
• HEM participates in Federal Provincial Planning processes to build a robust Pan Canadian Health Emergency Management System in Canada based on common principals and best practices.