Table Top Drill Helps Local Organizations Prepare for Emergencies

To support stronger emergency preparedness throughout the community, local organizations participated in a “table top drill” outlining the specific steps they would take in the event of a flu epidemic. The Sanilac County Health Department, McKenzie Health System and Sanilac Medical Care Facility discussed current systems and also proposed updates for dealing with this particular emergency situation. The drill, which was held at McKenzie Health System, included 19 participants from among the three organizations, along with Jennifer Stefaniak, Regional Assist Coordinator with Region 3 Healthcare Coalition and Tim Bolen, Epidemiologist with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Preparing for emergencies, such as a possible flu epidemic event, is critical to public safety. To that end, the hospital, medical care facility and other local community organizations engage in a variety of staff trainings and exercises. In addition to table top drills, the organizations have participated in a series of mock drills to enhance overall preparedness. The Sanilac County Health Department, McKenzie Health System and Sanilac Medical Care Facility together are planning a full-scale drill later in 2018.

“We hope that we never need to use these plans, but the safety and security of our teams and community are of utmost importance, so it is critical that our county comes together for these preparation and practice efforts,” said Colette Osborne, Safety Committee Chairperson, McKenzie Health System.

As part of its focus on safety, McKenzie Health System and Sanilac Medical Care Facility staff regularly participate in drills and exercises to help prepare for potential emergency situations.