Programs: Emergency Operations

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The Maryland Department of Health Office of Preparedness and Response coordinates the state’s public health and medical response during an emergency event. This includes:

Infectious disease outbreaks and pandemics
Natural disasters like hurricanes or winter storms
Acts of terrorism (use of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive weapons)

Depending on the type of emergecy, OP&R will:

Coordinate health and medical activities at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) during an event or emergency
Distribute medication, vaccines, or medical supplies through the Strategic National Stockpile
Establish Points of Dispensing (POD) to distribute medical countermeasures in coordination with state and local partners

Learn more about PODs and what to expect if you are instructed to visit one due to a widespread disease outbreak, release of a bioterrorism agent or other public health emergency.