Preparing for and responding to public health threats such as bioterrorism, pandemics and community trauma is an important role of Public Health. Staff work to develop, maintain and exercise response plans; provide resources and tools to the community, and training to staff and volunteers. By building relationships with community partners, including police, fire, emergency management, faith and community-based organizations, Public Health ensures the safety of the community.
Be prepared
Disasters don't plan ahead, but you can. Learn how at the Minnesota Department of Health's website.
Weather related information:
Trainings offered at no cost to community members:
- CPR and AED
- Psychological First Aid
Contact 952-563-8900 for more information.
Community partner resources
Public Health builds relationships with community partners, including police, fire, emergency management, faith and community-based organizations and others in order to increase capacity to respond to public health emergencies within the community.
ebola_response_recovery.pdf
Emergency preparedness toolkits:
Mass dispensing
In the event of a public health emergency such as bioterrorism, pandemic or disease outbreak, medication and other supplies may need to be dispensed to some or all of the population within a specific period of time. Public Health has plans in place to quickly and efficiently dispense the needed supplies to the population through points of dispensing (PODs).
Volunteer opportunities
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers include medical professionals and non-medical community members without healthcare backgrounds.
To apply, fill out a City of Bloomington volunteer application, background check authorization form and create an online profile at Minnesota Responds. Once complete, email documents to mrc@BloomingtonMN.gov.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers are members of the community trained in basic response skills by emergency personnel. Volunteers are prepared to save lives, prevent the spread of disease and protect themselves, their families and their community in the event of a disaster.
CERT training is a collaboration between Bloomington and Richfield. For more information, visit the City of Richfield.
Stay informed
Learn more about what Public Health is doing in the community to prepare for emergencies. Contact Amanda Lemke, Public Health Specialist - Emergency Preparedness for more information and community training opportunities.
Additional resources
