American Academy of Pediatrics
Disaster Preparedness State Initiatives
The information below includes details provided by several AAP chapters regarding:
 An AAP point person for disaster preparedness initiatives in that chapter
 A summary of any chapter disaster preparedness initiatives to date
 AAP members within that chapter who are involved in disaster preparedness efforts
These details do not describe state initiatives that the AAP chapters are not yet aware of.
Ideas for AAP Chapter Initiatives
1. Ask which chapter members are already involved in disaster preparedness initiatives.
2. Identify an AAP member to serve as a Chapter Contact for Disaster Preparedness.
3. Establish a chapter committee on disaster preparedness.
4. Provide information on relevant courses/trainings to interested chapter members.
5. Identify disaster preparedness committees, task forces, or initiatives in your state and appoint
a chapter member to represent the pediatric perspective and children’s needs as needed.
6. Host a meeting or CME presentation for interested chapter members.
7. Determine who oversees the state plans for disaster preparedness and pandemic influenza.
Identify chapter members who can review these plans for inclusion of children’s issues.
8. Review AAP disaster preparedness resources and customize a handout or publication for
chapter members, families, or other key audiences.
9. Plan to do “just one thing” in September, which is disaster preparedness month.
10. Refer to the Chapter initiatives summarized below for other ideas.
Alabama
Contact:
E-Mail:
James Hanley, MD, FAAP
jrhanley@usouthal.edu
The AAP Alabama Chapter has established a committee on disaster preparedness. This year,
Chapter member James Hanley, MD, FAAP, directed Alabama’s first Advanced HazMat Life
Support Course, thanks to federal funding on emergency preparedness that was funneled through
the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH). Dr Hanley also served as the pediatric
emergency medicine representative on the USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital Committee
that has worked with the ADPH to develop a triage and shelter plan for high risk OB-GYN
patients during Hurricanes and other natural disasters. He is also serving as one of 3 physicians
(and the only pediatrician) on the Alabama Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue Team (link to
http://www.alabamataskforce1.com/GetJoinUs.event). As part of related efforts, he participated
in the Federal Emergency Management Agency Office of Emergency Management course for
disaster medical specialists.
Alaska
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Arizona
Contact:
Sue Braga, Executive Director
1
E-Mail:
sue.braga@azaap.org
Sue Braga, Arizona AAP Chapter (AzAAP) Executive Director, participated in the Arizona
Medical Association’s Disaster Preparedness & Response Task Force. She shared AAP resources
with task force members, including the AAP policy statement “The Pediatrician and Disaster
Preparedness” (http://www.aap.org/disasters/pdf/pediatrician-disaster-preparedness.pdf) and the
AAP Children and Disasters Web site (http://www.aap.org/disasters/). The Arizona Medical
Association published the first draft of its “Disaster Preparedness and Awareness Guide for the
Practicing Pediatrician” in December 2007
(http://www.azmedassn.org/publications/ArMA_PhysicianDisasterGuide_2008.pdf). This guide
references the AAP publication, “A Disaster Preparedness Plan for Pediatricians: A Work in
Progress”, that was written by Scott Needle, MD, FAAP. Chapter representative, Peggy
Stemmler, MD, MBA, FAAP, represented the AAP at the Arizona Short-Term Tabletop Exercise
in October 2007.
Arkansas
Contact:
E-Mail:
Kristin Lyle, MD, FAAP
LyleKristinC@uams.edu
The Arkansas AAP Chapter is in the process of developing a Web site that will warehouse
disaster preparedness and response information, as well as volunteer opportunities for all
physicians and healthcare providers. Initially, this site will be linked to the Arkansas Children’s
Hospital Web site and will be accessible to all state AAP members. Plans are to launch this site
in September during disaster preparedness month.
Arkansas coordinates an annual statewide preparedness conference. At the 4th annual conference
in 2007, all Arkansas AAP Chapter members were invited. More than 600 individuals attended,
including several AAP members.
California
Most disaster preparedness efforts in this state appear to be organized by county. The AAP
California Chapters are considering a District approach to disaster preparedness efforts.
California Chapter 1
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
California Chapter 2
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
California Chapter 3
Contact:
Dean E. Sidelinger, MD, MSEd, FAAP
E-Mail:
Dean.Sidelinger@sdcounty.ca.gov
The California AAP Chapter 3 is reviewing relevant disaster preparedness plans. For San Diego,
there is an all hazards, all citizens approach. There is not a pediatric specific disaster plan,
although children are supposed to be incorporated throughout.
2
California Chapter 4
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Colorado
Contact:
E-Mail:
Current Chapter President
Connecticut
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Delaware
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Disaster preparedness plans are under consideration; this topic is a priority of the incoming
Board of the Delaware AAP Chapter.
Florida
Contact:
E-Mail:
Deborah Mulligan, MD, FAAP, FACEP
MulliganDeborah@aol.com
Contact:
E-Mail:
Scott Needle, MD, FAAP
sneedlemd@yahoo.com
The Florida AAP Chapter is creating a series of Web pages with information on disaster
medicine as part of its Chapter Web site. Deborah A. Mulligan, MD, FAAP, FACEP, presented
educational sessions at the 6th Annual Conference on Health, Disability and The Law June 2021, 2008 and the Kentucky Osteopathic Medical Association Annual Conference June 26-29,
2008. Dr Mulligan is also developing a master disaster preparedness plan that can be used as a
template for other AAP Chapters.
Scott Needle, MD, FAAP, is a member of the AAP Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council. He
participated on a panel discussion on children and disasters at the Federal Emergency
Management Agency Individual Assistance Division – Emergency Support Function “Building
Partnerships for Progress” conference on June 5, 2008. Information on this presentation was
shared with other chapter members via the Chapters’ electronic mailing list.
Georgia
Contact:
E-Mail:
Natalie Lane, MD, FAAP
nlane@mcg.edu
Natalie Lane, MD, FAAP, is the chairperson for the Georgia AAP Chapter Committee on
Emergency Care. In 2007, Dr Lane provided an educational presentation on the Pediatrician’s
Role in Disaster Preparedness and Management for continuing medical education (CME) credit
to members of the Georgia AAP Chapter. Dr Lane regularly updates chapter leaders by
presenting at Chapter Board meetings and general sessions for Chapter members.
3
Hawaii
Contact:
E-Mail:
TBD
TBD
The AAP Hawaii Chapter was represented at state-level disaster preparedness meetings.
Specific directives were not clarified, but strategies/tools to be implemented in the event of a
pandemic influenza were identified and included: rapid isolation of geographic outbreak areas,
use of mobile hospital units, and community wide immunization clinics. The Chapter consults
and collaborates with the Hawaii Department of Health as needed. This year, the Hawaii
Department of Health and the Hawaii AAP Chapter planned the first widespread seasonal
influenza immunization campaign in Hawaii elementary schools.
The Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children (which is the only dedicated pediatric
subspecialty medical center) will serve as the hub for any needed pediatric emergency
mobilization and care for the children of Hawaii. The state government, civil defense, local
military units, department of health, and the local medical care team has been involved in this
collaborative effort to prepare Hawaii for the unthinkable. Work has also been done to stockpile
medications, air purification masks, and mobile hospital units in secure military guarded storage
areas on the island of Oahu.
Idaho
Contact:
E-Mail:
Kathy Drake, MD, FAAP
Kadrakemd@aol.com
Specific disaster preparedness plans are still under consideration.
Illinois
Contact:
E-Mail:
Scott Allen, Chapter Executive Director
sallen@illinoisaap.com
The Illinois AAP Chapter was very involved in developing the Illinois state bioterrorism
guidelines, and representatives made sure that pediatric-specific information was included.
Within these guidelines, pediatric information is italicized and is also marked with the
Emergency Medical Services for Children logo (a teddy bear). For the full set of guidelines and
other key resources, see: http://www.idph.state.il.us/Bioterrorism/otherlinks.htm.
Indiana
Contact:
E-Mail:
Greg Wilson, MD, FAAP
gwilson1@iupui.edu
Specific disaster preparedness plans are still under consideration.
Iowa
Contact:
E-Mail:
4
Kansas
Contact:
E-Mail:
Dennis Cooley, MD, FAAP, Vice President
Cooleymd@aol.com
In Kansas, the primary state disaster preparedness organization is the Bio Terrorism
Coordinating Council. Dennis Cooley, MD, FAAP presented information to this council on
pediatric disaster preparedness issues, and it was well received. Dr Cooley is seeking to join the
Council, which requires an appointment by the governor. Dr Cooley has presented information
on pediatric disaster preparedness to Chapter members, and he is scheduled to present on this
topic at the state annual Immunization Conference in September 2008. He also completed a 1day Basic Disaster Life Support course in July 2008.
Kentucky
Contact:
E-Mail:
Kentucky AAP Chapter Vice-President Steve Church, MD, FAAP and Executive Director Mary
York, met with Department of Public Health officials to review and endorse a Kentucky disaster
plan booklet which was distributed to families and pediatric offices in the Commonwealth.
These efforts have been tabled until the emergency preparedness representative position is filled.
Louisiana
Contact:
E-Mail:
Jimmy Guidry, MD, FAAP
jguidry@dhh.la.gov
Contact:
E-Mail:
Gina LaGarde, MD
gplagard@bellsouth.net
Children have remained on the radar screen in Louisiana Disaster planning. Highlights of those
efforts include:
 Ensuring that a pediatric formulary and medical supplies for children are available at all
shelters (including those shelters that serve children with special needs).
 Putting a bus triage plan in place along with a system for providing bar-coded wrist bands to
help families remain together.
 Initial planning for a public and professional education campaign.
 Use of the LA Volunteers in Action Emergency Volunteer Registry, which is Web-based.
 Plan to provide emergency preparedness training volunteers enrolled in the above-mentioned
registry.
Maine
There are several Maine AAP Chapter members who regularly contribute to ongoing disaster
preparedness projects. For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Maryland
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
5
Massachusetts
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Michigan
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Minnesota
Contact:
E-Mail:
Lee Pyles, MD, FAAP
pyles001@umn.edu
The Minnesota AAP Chapter (MN-AAP) continues to participate in the Minnesota Emergency
Medical Services for Children Advisory Committee. Chapter member Lee Pyles, MD, FAAP
has developed a Web site that includes a system with AAP Emergency Information Forms (EIF)
that can be used to provide a medical summary for a child with special health care needs. Staff
who are working on a Region IV genetics project supported by the Material and Child Health
Bureau are enrolling children with inborn errors of metabolism into this Web-based system.
Mississippi
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Missouri
Contact:
E-Mail:
Ted Barnett, MD, FAAP
tbarnett@cmh.edu
Contact:
E-Mail:
Jan Frank, Executive Director
jkfrank@moaap.org
The Missouri AAP Chapter has formed a Committee on Disaster Preparedness and has appointed
Ted Barnett, MD, FAAP to serve as the committee chairperson. Dr. Barnett is a highly-qualified
and experienced pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Mercy Hospital in
Kansas City, and he also serves as the disaster preparedness director for the hospital. Committee
members from across the state are being recruited, and conference calls will be scheduled.
Montana
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Nebraska
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Nevada
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
New Hampshire
Contact:
Patricia Campbell, MD, FAAP, President
E-Mail:
pcampbell@cheshire-med.com
6
New Jersey
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
New Mexico
Contact:
Robert Sapien, MD, FAAP
E-Mail:
rsapien@salud.unm.edu
The New Mexico AAP Chapter disaster preparedness initiatives are integrated with Chapter
activities on emergency medicine. Robert Sapien, MD, FAAP is a member of the national AAP
Committee on Pediatric Emergency Medicine and is active in the New Mexico Emergency
Medical Services for Children (EMS-C) Program. The EMS-C Program advocates for children
on an ongoing basis with respect to education, emergency care, preparedness, and prevention
efforts. The program also develops and conducts educational sessions and disseminates
materials on pediatric emergency topics. In June 2007 a dedicated Pediatric Emergency
Department was opened at University Hospital. The physician staff consists of seven Pediatric
Emergency physicians and several general emergency medicine physicians. Program
representatives serve on several committees of the New Mexico Department of Health (Trauma
Advisory Committee, EMS Advisory Committee, and EMS Medical Direction) to ensure that
children’s issues are integrated into these efforts. The New Mexico Department of Health has
also established a "Health Alert" e-mail system for health care providers. This is a quick way to
send out notifications of public health situations statewide.
New York Chapter 1
Contact:
George Dunkel
E-Mail:
gdunkel@aap.org
The New York AAP Chapter 1 coordinates its disaster preparedness efforts through the AAP
District II office.
New York Chapter 2
Contact:
Anthony J. Battista, MD, FAAP
Email:
ajbattista@aol.com
The New York AAP Chapter 2 is developing a Web page on disaster preparedness, which can be
found as a link on the Chapter's home page or at http://www.ny2aap.org/preparedness.html.
New York Chapter 3
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
North Carolina
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
North Dakota
Contact:
Parag Kumar, MD, FAAP
E-Mail:
paragkumar@pol.net
7
Parag Kumar, MD, FAAP has received special training and is certified in Advanced HAZMAT
Life Support (AHLS). This is a comprehensive training program that helps participants to
develop the critical skills needed to treat victims exposed to toxic substances and to be ready to
face the medical challenges of hazmat incidents, such as chemical spills or toxic terrorism. Dr
Kumar has attended a variety of others trainings in disaster response and is a certified first
responder who is responsible for pediatric aspects of disaster, mass casualty, or terrorism
response. He has completed the “basic and advances disaster life support” courses conducted by
the American Medical Association.
Dr Kumar has helped design and implement the University of North Dakota School of Medicine
program BORDERS Alert & Ready and is a member of the MedCenter One Emergency
Preparedness committee. The Biochemical Organic Radiological Disaster Educational Response
System is a continuing education and training program operated by the University of North
Dakota Research Foundation in cooperation with the University of North Dakota School of
Medicine and Health Sciences.
Ohio
Contact:
E-Mail:
Michael Anderson, MD, FAAP
Michael.Anderson@UHhospitals.org
The Ohio AAP Chapter works in partnership with the Pediatric Disaster Preparedness Committee
(PDPC). The members are Bill Cotton, MD, FAAP (Chapter President), Joe Stack (Ohio EMSC
coordinator, EMS Homeland Security Committee mostly as an observer) and Ginny Haller (Ohio
Department of Health). They are currently looking for the most important issues to include in
the EMA disaster plans.
Michael Anderson, MD, FAAP, is the point person on a project known as PST-Ohio (Pediatric
Specialty Team- Ohio). He is currently looking for funding for his project, and is hoping his
team can be formed using the children’s hospitals resources. Dr Anderson was appointed by the
White House to serve on the National Commission on Children and Disasters.
Oklahoma
Contact:
E-Mail:
J. W. Hendricks, MD, FAAP, Chapter President
jwh@pac.pcc.com
Oregon
Contact:
E-Mail:
Dana A Braner, MD, FAAP, FCCM
branerd@ohsu.edu
The Oregon AAP Chapter, also known as the Oregon Pediatric Society (OPS), is actively
engaged in statewide efforts to coordinate the care of children during a disaster. Members of the
OPS serve on the State Advisory Council for Pandemic and Disaster preparedness and are
actively involved in disaster preparedness efforts at the national level.
Pennsylvania
8
Contact:
E-Mail:
Robert Olympia, MD, FAAP
ROLYMPIA@hmc.psu.edu
Rhode Island
Response pending.
South Carolina
Response pending.
South Dakota
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Tennessee
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Most of the disaster preparedness efforts for children in the Sate of Tennessee occur through the
Tennessee Committee on Pediatric Emergencies and the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services
for Children program. A summary of relevant projects follows:
A proposal was submitted to request funds to improve disaster preparedness programs in the
State of Tennessee. Provisions of the grant included:
 Enhancing the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services for Children program Web site
(http://www.tnemsc.org) through the development and dissemination of pediatric-specific
disaster information. Initial materials and information have been developed and are
accessible on the Web site. Plans are ongoing to maintain and expand the Web site.
 Providing Web-based continuing education courses.
 Development of a pediatric toolbox for those facilities with limited or no Web access that
replicates information provided online.
A statewide survey was conducted among hospital facilities to assess pediatric capacity
regarding readiness for disasters and/or mass casualties that involve children. Onsite visits at
select facilities were conducted to identify the needs for these facilities to meet increased
capacity for pediatric readiness.
The current state requirements regarding pediatric emergency equipment were reviewed, and the
need for additional equipment or training (based on current recommendations for mass disaster
planning) was assessed.
More than 1,000 Emergency Medical Services for Children reference guides and 500 wall charts
were developed and disseminated throughout the State. These reference guides contained
information on assessing and treating pediatric disaster victims such as pediatric resuscitation
protocols, medications, antidotes for chemical agents and Jump-Start, a pediatric triage system.
Texas
Contact:
E-Mail:
Christine Reeves
creeves@hillcrest.net
9
A subcommittee has reviewed a SWOT analysis of the facility and transport capabilities in the
state. A Pediatric Disaster Coalition has been meeting since the beginning of last year. The
group is comprised of representatives from the pediatric designated facilities and pediatric
transport teams within FEMA Region 6. Other facilities within Texas that have pediatric
capability have been asked to participate as well. This group meets about once a month and
initial efforts focus on preparing for another hurricane by determining guidelines/strategies for
evacuating pediatric hospital patients. The Governor’s EMS and Trauma Advisory Council
(GETAC) established a Disaster Task Force for hurricane evacuation issues. These efforts led to
the development of a group that could address the pediatric-specific issues in a disaster situation.
Lori Upton at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston currently oversees these efforts.
Utah
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
The Utah AAP Chapter is moving forward to assess and contribute to pediatric disaster
preparedness initiatives. While the Chapter determined that hospitals seem well-prepared
(especially the Children’s Hospital), there was a need to support community pediatricians and to
define various ways that they could contribute to community efforts. The Chapter President has
met with relevant state representatives to explore ways to develop office- and hospital-based
disaster preparedness plans and to organize “table top” exercises for members in various
locations throughout the state.
U.S. Services West
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Chapter members, by virtue of specialized military training, are experts in biochemical warfare.
They are actively involved in disaster preparedness initiatives coordinated by local military and
civilian communities as well as national activities. Two Madigan Army Medical Center
pediatricians presented information to the Pierce County (WA) Immunization Coalition and the
Washington AAP Chapter on pandemic influenza. Chapter members have developed and are
actively involved in teaching the unique Military Medical Humanitarian Course (MMHC) which
prepares pediatricians for deployment to areas that are devastated by manmade or natural
disasters and provides information caring for children in those areas.
Vermont
Contact:
E-Mail:
Stephanie Winters, Executive Director
SWinters@vtmd.org
The AAP Vermont Chapter Executive Director, Stephanie Winters, serves on the Vermont
Department of Health Senior Advisory Committee for Public Health and Preparedness.
Virginia
Contact:
E-Mail:
Margaret Dolan, MD, FAAP
m2d2usa@comcast.net
10
Contact:
E-Mail:
Robert Gunther, MD, FAAP, Vice President
RCG9G@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu
Washington
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
The Washington AAP Chapter has actively participated in relevant state efforts and has served
on various State and County disaster preparedness committees to ensure that issues related to
pediatric patients are addressed.
West Virginia
Contact:
Cathy Slemp, MD, MPH
E-Mail:
cathyslemp@wvdhhr.org
Specific disaster preparedness initiatives are still under consideration.
Wisconsin
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
Wyoming
For more information, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.
11