Public Health-Idaho North Central District Receives National “Public Health Ready” Recognition

LEWISTON, IDAHO – Public Health – Idaho North Central District (PH-INCD) has been recognized by the
National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) for its ability to plan for, respond to, and
recover from public health emergencies. PH-INCD demonstrated these capabilities by meeting the
comprehensive preparedness benchmarks required by Project Public Health Ready (PPHR), a unique
partnership between NACCHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. PH-INCD joins a cohort of
nearly 450 local health departments across the country that have been distinguished for excellence in
preparedness through PPHR, either individually or as part of a region.

“We are proud to have been recognized by Project Public Health Ready for our high level of preparedness,”
said Carol Moehrle, Director of Public Health – Idaho North Central District. “We will continue to improve our
ability to quickly and effectively respond to any public health crisis in North Central Idaho.” Still, the most
important factor in determining whether we succeed in responding to an emergency will be the actions of our
citizens in advance planning, cooperating with authorities, and helping each other in a time of duress.”
PPHR recognition confirms that PH-INCD has a thorough and coordinated emergency response plan in place
and that staff have the training to protect the health of the community during an emergency. Local health
departments recognized by PPHR undergo a rigorous evaluation by peer review to assess their ability to meet a
set of national standards for public health preparedness. These standards align with federal government
requirements and other national best practices.

PPHR recognition also requires health departments to collaborate with their state, local, and community
partners to develop plans that account for all the constituents in their jurisdictions.
“When disaster strikes, it affects local communities, and local health departments are a critical part of any first
response to disease outbreaks, emergencies, and acts of terrorism,” said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, NACCHO
Executive Director. “NACCHO commends PH-INCD for being a model of public health emergency
preparedness.”

NACCHO, the voice of the 2,800 local health departments across the country, provides resources to help local
health department leaders develop public health policies and programs to ensure that communities have access
to vital programs and services that people need to keep them protected from disease and disaster. Its mission
is to be a leader, partner, catalyst, and voice for local health departments in order to ensure the conditions that
promote health and equity, combat disease, and improve the quality and length of all lives.