Community-Based Planning for a Smallpox Emergency

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to planning for any type of public health emergency, and planning for a bioterrorist attack using smallpox is no exception. Each community has its own unique needs, challenges, and resources. Take all of these characteristics into consideration when planning for an effective response to a smallpox emergency.

Public health departments at the state and local level should work with healthcare facilities, public and private organizations, and local community leaders to create a smallpox emergency response plan that integrates with the community’s overall emergency response plan and with state and federal plans. Two resources that may help to plan a community-based emergency response include:

• Public Health Preparedness Capabilities: National Standards for State and Local Planning
• Healthcare Preparedness Capabilities: National Guidance for Healthcare System Preparedness [PDF – 1.03MB]

Community-based planning activities fall into the following categories:

• Build Community Partnerships
• Identify Resources and Needs
• Help People with Functional, Language, or Cognitive Needs