When disaster strikes, Oregon Public Health (OPH) must respond effectively to support national, local, tribal and private sector public health emergency response partners. A critical part of OPH’s work is to coordinate response activities and provide resources to local public health departments. The Agency Operations Center (AOC) serves as Oregon’s base for monitoring and coordinating OPH’s emergency response to public health threats in Oregon.

What are the functions of the AOC?

The AOC allows the OPH to keep track of public health-related events at the national, state and local levels.  It serves as OPH’s central point of contact for reporting public health threats. During an emergency response, the AOC brings together professionals from across OPH to exchange information efficiently and work with public health emergency response partners.

To support state and local efforts during an emergency response, AOC staff coordinates deployment of OPH staff and equipment that OPH responders may need. The AOC also works with other state agencies to transport life-supporting medications, sample/specimans, and personnel around Oregon.

How does the AOC operate?

When the AOC receives information about an event, a preliminary assessment team of subject-matter experts from within OPH recommends the scope of the response. The team’s assessment is reported to the director, who provides recommendations for action, including a request for activation of the AOC.

The OPH uses the Internet Oregon Health Alert Network (HAN) to keep local agencies and health providers informed of health issues. The joint information center (JIC) provides the public with information and coordinates the messages so everyone speaks with the same voice.

In April 2009 when the H1N1 influenza virus turned into a pandemic, the AOC created flu.oregon.gov, a user-friendly Web site, and the Oregon Public Health Flu Hotline (1-800-978-3040) to keep the public updated with all the latest news and developments relating to H1N1.