The State of Florida has granted the North Broward Hospital District (NBHD) nearly $900,000 with the responsibility of better preparing the health and medical response in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties for emergency and disaster situations.

In Florida, Gov. Jeb Bush and the Legislature created the Florida Office of Homeland Security to ensure the safety of all Floridians. From this initiative emerged the Regional Domestic Security Task Force (RDSTF) which coordinates domestic security issues throughout the state. Region 7 includes Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

This monetary grant has been designated to the NBHD who will act as the leadership organization overseeing the allocation of funds and directing all preparation programs. The Emergency Preparedness Department of the NBHD will work with the other associations affiliated with the RDSTF Health/Medical Committee on one common goal: to better prepare the entire Region 7 to respond to the health and medical needs that would arise during a disaster event including disease outbreaks and natural or man-made disasters, including acts of terrorism. An emphasis will be put on purchasing equipment and supplies, response training, education and planning a detailed health and medical response to a terror attack.

“The Emergency Preparedness Department at the North Broward Hospital District is at the forefront of emergency readiness and we are very pleased that government officials in Florida and in Region 7 recognize this and have awarded us this impressive grant. We will continue to work diligently in a leadership role to prepare our county and the neighboring areas for an emergency situation,” said Jeanne Eckes-Roper, director of Emergency Preparedness for NBHD. “We have a lot planned, including surveillance and response training, disaster drills and education initiatives for responders and the community.” Eckes-Roper is also the chair of the Region 7 Domestic Security Task Force Health/Medical Committee.