Interrupting My Shift Disaster Preparedness and Response

This article provides an introduction and overview of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Hospital Preparedness Program. It describes the two key principals of the program: (1) the development of healthcare coalitions, and (2) the description of immediate bed availability. By focusing on capacity planning at the level of the population, the program seeks to ensure that the emergency care system will provide high-quality care in day-to-day operations, as well as in times of system strain.