The purpose of the CHSCPR is to develop plans to unify, coordinate and manage emergency planning and response for the healthcare system within the City of Chicago. During a planned event or unplanned disaster or emergency, the CHSCPR participates and supports response efforts in coordination with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). The CHSCPR also maintains an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that supports and strengthens relationships between and among all members of the CHSCPR. The support shall be in the form of sharing information and subject matter expertise that will enhance emergency preparedness capacity and proficiency across the healthcare system during emergencies. Resources and volunteer personnel are also available per the guidelines CHSCPR EOP, its associated annexes and the Illinois Helps Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs).
The mission of the CHSCPR is to unify the coordination of the Chicago healthcare system to a level that will be necessary if operations move from conventional to contingency to crisis care.
The responsibility of CHSCPR will in no way supersede, replace or relieve healthcare facilities of their institutional and regulatory responsibilities and requirements during an emergency. In addition, the CHSCPR does not subvert the authority and responsibility of the City of Chicago or the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). CHSCPR member participation in emergency response shall be coordinated via CDPH and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC).
The CHSCPR shall be able to strategically:
- Increase medical response capabilities in the community and region
- Integrate plans and activities of all partners into the jurisdictional response plan and the State response plan
- Prepare for the needs of at-risk populations in their communities in the event of a large-scale disaster or emergency
- Coordinate activities to minimize duplication of effort among CHSCPR members
- Maintain continuity of operations in the community vertically with the local jurisdictional emergency management organizations
CHSCPR Preparedness Roles:
- Develop a structure and process for members and partners to improve organizational and regional emergency preparedness through joint planning and problem-solving, e.g. joint observation during operations and exercises
- Enhance current CHSCPR infrastructure to allow coordination of medical assets, communications and other assets for the healthcare system
- Develop a multi-year healthcare training and exercise program based on identified hazards and vulnerabilities. This program will include after action and improvement planning processes to assess gaps in healthcare sector and regional plans to improve preparedness
- Provide trainings, tools and opportunities for educational events based on risk assessments on both a planned, as needed and just-in-time basis
CHSCPR Response Roles:
- Participate in the CDPH Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) Unified Command structure through the Executive/Advisory Committee to meet the health and medical needs of the community
- Provide a structure for the healthcare system to address priorities that arise during a response
- Maximize the healthcare system’s emergency response capacity by sharing information and resources through the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC)