Tulsa County Updates Mass Immunization Plan, Boosts Emergency Preparedness
Alicia Etgen, manager of THD emergency preparedness and response, led a presentation updating the Tulsa Mass Immunization Prophylaxis Strategy (MIPS) plan. The annual stakeholders meeting, attended by over 56 community partners, highlighted Tulsa County's role in public health emergencies and the progress of initiatives aimed at enhancing community disaster preparedness.
Tulsa County, one of 24 MIPS jurisdictions, is responsible for dispensing medication and vaccines during public health crises. In the 2009-2010 influenza season, eight point of dispensing sites in Tulsa served up to 1,000 people per hour, administering over 144,000 vaccines.
The City of Broken Arrow recently joined the initiative, finding it beneficial for collaboration and protecting first responders. Organizations in Tulsa County work together to ensure community disaster preparedness and response plans are in place. The Emergency Preparedness and Response Program (EPRP) recognized Push Partners, agencies dispensing medical countermeasures to specified populations of 300 or more individuals.
A CASPER survey revealed over 50% of Tulsa County households had emergency supply kits, but over 95,000-115,000 households lacked plans or items. The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (OKMRC) program supplements 'first responder' emergency systems with credentialed volunteers, coordinated in Tulsa County by Lori Gibson.
The annual meeting provided an opportunity for program leaders to inform and share updates about public initiatives' progress and evolution. Tulsa County's commitment to emergency preparedness was evident, with partnerships and plans in place to protect and serve the community in times of crisis.
