Bureau of Public Health Preparedness Services

The Wilkes-Barre City Health Department is a member component of the Wilkes-Barre City’s Emergency Response Team. The Public Health Preparedness Program includes the Wilkes-Barre City Health Department acting in a secondary/supportive role.  Early recognition and effective response to threats of all hazards events depend upon a strong public health system reinforced, informed, and guided by advanced detection and communication systems, carefully developed response and treatment plans, and adequate resources and recovery. 

The components of the Emergency Response Plan include a disaster operations plan, a communicable disease protocol, disaster preparedness and a pandemic plan. The Wilkes-Barre City Health Department works closely with local hospitals and city, county and state agencies to facilitate a coordinated response should an emergency arise. Communication is essential when dealing with emergent situations. Education for first responders, community leaders, families and others in plans, procedures and skills required to meet challenges of an emergency is essential to serve, protect and recovery for our residents.

The Wilkes-Barre City Health Department recently received re-recognition from the National Association of City and County Health Organizations (NACCHO) as a certified Public Health Ready health department. Out of 2,800 health departments in the country, Wilkes-Barre City is one of 500 municipalities that received this award.

Visit ReadyPA for more infomation about being informed, prepared, and involved during emergencies.