Public Health Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee

The purpose of the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee is to advise, consult with, and make recommendations to the Washington County Community Health Board (County Board) on matters relating to the application, administration, and implementation of local public health duties for the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant Agreement between Washington County and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Specifically, establishment of this advisory committee fulfills the local public health grant duty described in Focus Area A of that Agreement, "Strategic Direction and Coordination," which states: "Throughout the term of the project agreement, the Community Health Board must maintain or participate in a local public health emergency advisory committee."

This committee has the following responsibilities:

1. To assist in the identification and assessment of public health preparedness needs

2. To assist in the preparation of and recommendation to the Washington County Board of Health a public health emergency response plan that meets state requirements and guidelines

3. To assist in the development and conduct of various grant duties as described in the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant

4. To support and assist in the development of countywide relationships and partnerships between public health, hospitals and clinic services, private businesses, allied health professionals, and all citizens to ensure an effective public health emergency response system

The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee is appointed by the County Board and consists of no more than 23 voting members. Membership must be representative of agencies, governmental units, and the private sector generally responsible for response to an emergency or bioterroism event. A member of the Washington County Board of Health and the Washington County Administrator may serve as liaison members without votes. 

Membership on this advisory committee is as follows:

• Five citizen members, one appointed from each County Commissioner District 

• Two physician members, one being the medical advisor of the Department of Public Health and Environment and the other being a physician  practicing in Washington County (preference is given to a physician in emergency medicine practice)

• Two hospital members, one hospital administration representative each from Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater and Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury

• Four Public Safety Agency members, one representative to serve as a liaison for the Washington County Fire Chief's Association, one representative to serve as a liaison for the Washington County Chiefs of Police Association, one representative of local Emergency Medical Services (from an agency that is not already represented by the Fire Chiefs or Police Chiefs Associations), and one representative of the Washington County Sheriff's Office

• One business and industry member who is a representative of a Chamber of Commerce in Washington County

• Two allied health professional members who are individuals working in Washington County in areas such as Veterinary Science, Pharmacy, Mortuary Science or Medical Laboratory Services

• One mental health professional member who is a licensed or certified mental health professional practicing in Washington County

• Two volunteer service agency members, including one representative of the American Red Cross and one representative of the Salvation Army

• Four local government members, including two representatives of cities and two representatives of townships in Washington County

• Only citizen appointees must be residents of Washington County.

Citizen applicants must complete the required County application for appointment and submit any background information requested. Interested applicants for all other categories of membership are solicited by the Department of Public Health and Environment which then provides a recommendation for the appointment to the Washington County Board. The County Board, at its discretion, may interview any applicant seeking appointment. Background screening may be conducted by Washington County.

Applicants seeking appointment should have an interest in public health issues, especially in the areas of disease prevention and control, emergency medical services, risk communication, environmental health services, bioterrorism preparedness, and disaster coordination.

This committee may establish additional task forces or subcommittees to study a special issue or conduct special projects. The membership serves only for the time necessary to study and report on such issues or to complete the assigned project. Additional community representation may be sought for participation in the task force or subcommittee to provide additional expertise or resources needed for successful completion. These additional representatives are considered ad hoc and do not have voting privileges in the task force or subcommittee.

Members are appointed for terms consistent with the grant period specified within the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Grant.  If the Public Health Preparedness Grant is renewed annually, a member is eligible for reappointment for up to a total of four one-year terms (total of four years of service). 

Even though a member may be appointed (or reappointed) to a term, the County Board may, at its discretion, replace the member at any time when, in the opinion of the County Board or the County Commissioner appointing the member, it is in the best interests of the County to do so.

This committee meets quarterly or at the call of the chair.

Members of this committee are eligible to receive meeting per diem and mileage reimbursement at the rate established by the County Board.

This committee operates in accordance with the operating procedures established by the county.