Office of Emergency Response - Academic Health Center, University of Minnesota
Gold University of Minnesota M. Skip to main content.University of Minnesota.
Driven to Discover.
Academic Health Center
What's Inside
Research Leader Job Posting


Search

  

Give Online

 

 
  Home > About the AHC > Administrative Units > Office of Emergency Response
 

Office of Emergency Response

Pandemic Influenza Preparedness on Campus

Coordinated and effective responses to emergencies on campus are guided by the University of Minnesota Emergency Operations Plan. Due to the complicated issues posed by a pandemic, additional, supplemental planning is warranted and is being developed by the Academic Health Center Emergency Response Team.

Mission

The AHC Office of Emergency Response (formerly known as the Emergency Preparedness Program) was established in 2004 to ensure that public health issues affecting the University community are addressed in a timely, efficient, and effective manner while utilizing the available resources and expertise available both internal and external to the University.  The Office also serves to coordinate and organize available resources within the Academic Health Center in preparation to assist community partners during a local, state, or national health emergency, and in so doing, provides unique educational and experiential opportunities for AHC students, staff, and faculty.

Six Areas of Responsibility

Planning

  • Develop detailed preparedness and response plans to supplement the U of M Emergency Operations Plan as needed (such as pandemic influenza or bioterrorism event).
  • Represent the AHC/U of M with external partners including Minnesota Department of Health, county health departments, hospitals, and health systems
  • Provide guidance and support as needed to campuses in Crookston, Duluth, and Morris; share information with other colleges and universities locally and nationally.

AHC Emergency Response Team
Participate on the AHC Emergency Response Team, and provide primary administrative and technical support to the Team and the Public Health Officer.

Medical Reserve Corps
Direct and support the development, maintenance, and growth of the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps comprised of student, staff, and faculty volunteers from the Academic Health Center and Boynton Health Service. These personnel may be called upon during a large scale emergency to provide assistance related to mass dispensing, triage, and care; diagnostic capabilities and laboratory surge capacity; enhanced disease surveillance and case investigation; and emergency hotline support. 

Training
Develop training materials and programs for Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and others in close partnership with the SPH Center for Public Health Preparedness and the SON/SPH Minnesota Emergency Readiness Education and Training (MERET) program.

Exercises and Drills
Develop, implement, and evaluate tabletop, drill, and functional exercises designed to test response plans and interagency coordination. Actively participate in exercises and drills hosted by partners at the local, regional, and state level.

Curricular Enhancements and Interdisciplinary Education
Explore opportunities for curricular enhancements related to emergency preparedness and disaster response within each school/college and interdisciplinary opportunities.


Office of Emergency Response

Staff 

Jill DeBoer, MPH
Director
jdeboer@umn.edu
612 625-3958 phone
612-626-6783 fax

 

Elizabeth McClure, MD, MPH
Medical Director
mccl0216@umn.edu
612 624-3119 phone
612-626-4704 fax

 

Joan Rambeck, RN, CNP, MS
Operations and Training Coordinator
rambe026@umn.edu
612 624-2286 phone
612-626-4704 fax

 

Kathy Berlin, RN, PHN
MRC Coordinator
berli034@umn.edu
612 626-4722 phone
612-626-4704 fax

    
  

 



Feedback | Notice of Privacy Practices