Public Health Response

El Paso County Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPCPH EPR) is responsible for preparing for and responding to emergency situations. EPR develops plans for emergency responses, provides training, and collaborates with governmental partners, nonprofit organizations, and private sectors. It works to ensure preparedness for public health emergencies and disasters that may affect the county. These activities aim to strengthen the county’s capacity to respond to, mitigate, and recover from emergencies while also developing strategies to lessen the impact of future disasters.

The department mobilizes public health responders and subject matter experts to address potential emergencies that could impact public health. Public health emergencies can be infectious disease outbreaks, pandemics, or bioterrorism. EPR also assists with public health emergency aspects of flooding, severe weather, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes, power outages, hazardous materials, water or soil contamination, air pollution, and numerous other scenarios. By preparing for these events, the department safeguards lives and minimizes harm to residents and visitors of El Paso County.