A key to rapid and successful response to an outbreak or health emergency is early notification of an event. The California Health Alert Network (CAHAN) allows health providers to receive health alerts immediately from local, state, and federal agencies that are of concern to clinic staff in California. Although some of the Indian Health Clinics have enrolled their health providers in CAHAN, all clinics would benefit from access to these timely alerts. Participation is free of charge and vital to local, state, and federal emergency preparedness and response, especially in the event of a pandemic.
Beginning in January 2007 through October 2009, workshops will be offered throughout the state on a regional basis.
Please see the attached letter regarding more information on CAHAN.
_________________________________________________________________________________
October 31, 2008
Dear Health Care Provider,
We would like to take this opportunity to inform you of an opportunity to be a part of an important communication system that can provide alerts to you in case of an emergency. The California Health Alert Network (CAHAN), is the State of California's official system that facilitates alerting, collaboration, emergency planning, and response communication among health care providers, federal, state, local health departments, and other public health emergency partners. Since this network is a state system and part of their efforts to ready California in the event of a disaster or pandemic event, there is no charge for being a part of CAHAN.
If enrolled into CAHAN system, you will have the ability to receive and confirm CAHAN alerts in minutes from state and local government in emergencies, urgent events, and disasters. You as a CAHAN end-user will have the ability to select the way you receive the alert. CAHAN alerts are accessible via alphanumeric pager, email, fax, cellular, and landline phones on a 24/7/365 basis. In addition to alerts, CAHAN also provides a central collaborative work environment for health and medical emergency partners to securely share and store confidential and sensitive information. Currently, over 15,000 participants from many public and private organizations are enrolled in CAHAN.
The California Department of Health's Emergency Preparedness Office, which administers CAHAN, provides three-hour CAHAN training workshops throughout the state. Participants of these workshops will learn how to receive and confirm an alert and use CAHAN to enhance statewide communications among emergency and public health partners. Workshops will begin in January 2009 and will be offered throughout the state on a regional basis through October 2009. Please see the enclosed Training Schedule for the dates in your area.
To find out more about CAHAN enrollment and how to register for the upcoming training workshops please contact Gigi Scott, CAHAN Unit Chief, at 916-319-8182 or CAHANInfo@cdph.ca.gov.
Please consider participating in this very valuable alert and notification system. Your involvement will assist with public preparedness and response for the people under your care by ensuring immediate communications between public and private health partners.
Sincerely,
Jocelyn Montgomery Tom Medley
Director of Clinical Affairs Disaster Preparedness Program Director
CAHF CAHF
916-441-6400 ext 214 916-441-6400 ext 113
jmontgomery@cahf.org tmedley@cahf.org
