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Organization: Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital
Date: June 4, 2009
We Are Prepared For You
Henry Mayo Disaster Resource Center Is Ready When Needed
VALENCIA, CA — Disasters strike quickly and without warning. At any given moment, our community could experience an earthquake, a major fire, or a mass casualty — and Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital will be called upon to provide care to the victims of these disasters.
On June 1 and June 2, Henry Mayo’s Disaster Resource Center staff hosted an Open House for local emergency responders, city officials, and hospital staff and physicians that showcased the hospital’s capabilities to quickly implement plans that provide critical health services following a disaster and meet the community’s healthcare needs.
"We must be prepared for potential disasters so we can serve the community during the crisis," said Terry Stone, Henry Mayo’s safety officer and emergency preparedness manager. "The hospital has invested considerable time and resources in emergency preparedness. We have systems and equipment in place, including surge tents, decontamination team and facilities, protective and respiratory gear, medical and pharmaceutical supplies, and much more for when a crisis occurs."
During the event, attendees learned about Henry Mayo’s relationships with other community hospitals for emergency preparedness and the ability to coordinate communications between local, state, federal, and non-governmental emergency response personnel.
"I am so proud of our community hospital for having this program," commented Marsha McLean, City of Santa Clarita councilwoman. "To know our hospital can prepare for any type of disaster is very comforting."
Information was also provided on the hospital triage system, evacuation equipment, deployable surge tents and supplies, and the Incident Command System.
"The more I know, the calmer I’ll be during a disaster," added Councilwoman Laurie Ender. "I will sleep much better tonight knowing how well prepared Henry Mayo is for a disaster."
Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital is one of 13 Disaster Resource Centers (DRC) in the Los Angeles County. Developed by L.A. County Department of Health Services Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMSA) and funded through the federal government’s Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), the Disaster Resource program enhances the ability of L.A. County hospitals to prepare and respond to health emergencies, whether natural or man-made, including mass casualty incidents.
"I had no idea how much work went into the emergency preparedness program," said Gayle Hoover, Henry Mayo acute rehab nurse liaison. "I have lived in this valley since 1963 and have been through fires, floods and earthquakes. My children and other family and friends also reside in the area. Knowing that Henry Mayo has undergone this huge project to prepare this community and this hospital for a disaster sets my mind at ease."
