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
