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COVID-19 Updates: Get the latest public information related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at ReadySLO.org.

The Public Health Department is actively responding to COVID-19. At the same time, the department continues to provide essential services in the safest way possible, including telephone or remote appointments (through your mobile phone or computer) and in-person visits when needed. For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org. For updates on other Public Health services, visit slopublichealth.org or call 805-781-5500.

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Health Agency | Public Health

County of San Luis Obispo

Healthcare Coalition Exercises

What is this service?

Every year, the County of San Luis Obispo Public Health Department coordinates and conducts exercises to test the medical and health system’s ability to respond to disasters.

Statewide Medical and Health Exercise (SWMHE)

The Statewide Medical and Health Exercise takes place on the 3rd Thursday in November every year. This exercise is designed to test participating agencies’ ability to respond to an emergency specifically:

  • Test and validate policies, plans, procedures, training, equipment, and agreements
  • Clarify and train personnel in roles and responsibilities in emergency response and recovery
  • Improve interagency coordination
  • Identify gaps in resources and response plans
  • Strengthen relationships among all participating agencies
  • Meet various requirements from regulatory and accreditation agencies

Click here to view and download the 2019 Statewide Medical and Health Exercise Documents

Click here to go to the California Statewide & Health Exercise Website

Coalition Surge Test (CST)

The Coalition Surge Test is designed to help healthcare coalitions identify gaps in their surge planning through a no-notice exercise. The CST tests the coalition’s ability to evacuate and transfer at least 20 percent of the coalition’s staffed bed capacity.

  • A low – to – no notice exercise. Exercise participants will receive a 2-week notice.
  • Challenging by design.
  • Intended to improve health care system readiness and response.
  • Designed to test the overall health care system response

Frequently Asked Questions

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How can my facility participate in countywide healthcare coalition exercises?
  1. Join the SLO Disaster Healthcare Coalition (SLO DHCC).
  2. Attend planning meetings. Once you are a member of the SLO Disaster Healthcare Coalition, you will receive emails on upcoming exercises, meetings and important dates.
  3. Complete and submit the Intent to Participate Survey Form
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When is the first planning meeting for the Statewide Medical and Health Exercise?

To ensure you receive the latest communication on upcoming planning meetings, join the SLO Disaster Healthcare Coalition.

Statewide Medical and Health Exercise for 2020

The week before Thanksgiving (Nov 16-19, 2020) 

More information will be posted when available

Visit the SWMHE website and review/download the sample objectives for your facility/entity type prior to the meeting: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/swmhe_current.aspx 

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Where can I find the Statewide Medical and Health Exercise materials?

Please visit: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/EPO/Pages/swmhe.aspx to review and download the exercise materials for each year's exercise

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When is the first planning meeting for the Coalition Surge Test (CST)?

Date TBA.

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Where can I find out more about the Coalition Surge Test (CST)?

https://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/planning/hpp/Pages/coaltion-tool.aspx

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Additional questions?

Please contact the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program (PHEP) at [email protected]