The Pacific Southwest Center for Emergency Public Health collaborates with local, state, and tribal health departments across California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii and U.S.-affiliated Pacific territories to strengthen our region’s capacity to prepare for and respond to public health threats.
As one of ten centers funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Office of Readiness and Response, the Center is dedicated to advancing evidence-based public health emergency preparedness and response strategies. Working closely with tribal communities, we prioritize the adaptation and adoption of strategies that meet local needs and align with community priorities.
The Center focuses on three key areas, developed in collaboration with regional public health and response partners during a year-long planning process:
- Capacity Building
The Center supports the region’s health workforce in addressing both immediate and long-term needs in public health emergencies. This includes developing a resilient surge workforce that can respond effectively in times of crisis and building sustainable workforce capacity. - Coordination and Communication
The Center fosters “communities of practice” to strengthen emergency preparedness. This includes hosting tribal preparedness and response leaders to address emerging issues, such as climate and health impacts. Working alongside our partners, the Center aims to develop and share best practices, such as strategies for managing heat emergencies. - Risk Communication
In an age of widespread mis- and disinformation, the Center works to enhance trust in public health by improving how public health guidance is shared. This involves equipping public health officials to counter misinformation and fostering partnerships with trusted community leaders to deliver accurate, credible information.
Our People
- George Rutherford, MD, MA, Principal Investigator
- Karen Horn, MBA, MPH, Project Director
- Jess Celentano, MS, Program and Operations Director
- Rikita Merai, MPH, Program Manager
- Denise Barrios, Program Coordinator
Partners
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Public Health Institute
- University Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
- University of Nevada, Reno
