Every detail counts in the realm of healthcare emergency management. Whether it’s a natural disaster, pandemic, cyberattack, or another crisis threatening lives and our healthcare infrastructure — preparedness is key. This is where Taina Lopez steps in as the new Director of Emergency Management at NACHC. With insightful experience in healthcare and public health emergency response, Taina brings a global-to-local approach to the job.
As Taina engages in a listening tour with Primary Care Association (PCA) Emergency Management contacts, Health Center Emergency Management contacts, contacts from humanitarian organizations, and Health Center Controlled Networks (HCCNs), she sees NACHC’s Emergency Management structure take shape to focus on:
- Resource enhancement and support for health centers, PCAs, and HCCNs prior to, during, and after a disaster*.
- Timely emergency management training and technical assistance.
- Advocacy for the equitable representation of health centers in local and regional emergency planning and response.
*A “disaster” or “emergency” could mean a serious event threatening life, health, property, or the environment and requiring an urgent coordinated response to protect health centers, their staff, and patients.
For NACHC to be ready for Emergency Management, Taina will constantly monitor risks and disasters that impact health centers. She aims to leverage information and resources among national response partners, government agencies, regional partners like PCAs and HCCNs, and health center staff to ensure timely communication and resource-sharing. However, her approach goes beyond coordination; it’s about empowering the frontline. “It is so important to support those clinicians and care teams doing the real work,” she emphasizes.
NACHC’s strategy is strengthened by those three pillars: resource enhancement, training and technical assistance, and partnership development. Each will be designed to bolster resilience, preparedness, and an integrated response for health centers in the event of an emergency.
Why is emergency management in healthcare so crucial?
- Continuity of care must be protected: During a crisis, health centers must continue to provide essential healthcare services. Preparedness helps ensure that facilities, staff, and resources are ready with a prompt response to limit disruptions to care when disaster strikes.
- Patient safety must be ensured: Emergency preparedness protocols safeguard patients and staff. This includes evacuation plans, sheltering in place, infection control, and managing medical emergencies. By being prepared, health centers can limit risks and prevent harm to patients seeking care.
- Surges in demand must be managed: Health centers must be ready to handle an increase in patient volume efficiently while maintaining quality standards and managing resources during an emergency.
- Community resilience is essential: Health centers are integral to the infrastructure of communities. Being prepared lets health centers contribute to public health interventions, coordinate with local authorities, and provide assistance to vulnerable populations during a crisis.
- Health centers must comply with regulatory requirements: Many health centers are required to follow regulatory accreditation standards related to emergency preparedness. NACHC wants to help health centers feasibly meet these standards.
Considering these needs, and increasing risks for things like extreme weather, cybersecurity hacks, and violence, NACHC is committed to strengthening primary care through emergency management. Taina and her team at NACHC are prepared to contribute to the resilience and sustainability of health centers. Her vision is to provide support beyond borders.
“I think partnerships are essential from national to regional and down to local levels. Every integrated effort makes a big difference in people’s lives.”
Taina Lopez, NACHC
As we all navigate an increasingly uncertain future, one thing remains clear: preparedness saves lives. Through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication, Taina’s positive approach leads to more questions. Will you take a few minutes to send Taina an email with your thoughts to a few additional questions? (email: TLopez@nachc.com or respond directly to this linked survey)
- Do NACHC’s aims for supporting health centers in an emergency resonate with you and do you want NACHC to be involved in this space?
- Please tell us how your health center or PCA is managing emergency preparedness – and why.
- What resources (like guidance, templates, etc.) do you need at the facility level (if NACHC can gain funding to support you)?