The Public Health Preparedness program is funded by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and coordinated by the DOH Public Health Preparedness (PHP) Branch. Along with its broader health emergency preparedness responsibilities, the branch coordinates Hawaii’s smallpox vaccination program, administers the Strategic National Stockpile plan for distribution of emergency pharmaceuticals in case of public health emergencies, and collaborates with State Civil Defense, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, county Civil Defense agencies and other related stakeholders in the development and implementation of state and county response plans for bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.

Public Health Emergencies – a Timeline

Since it was first established as the Board of Health in 1851, the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) has provided leadership to monitor, protect and improve the health and environment of the people of Hawaii. That mission includes preparing for and responding to a wide range of health emergencies. This timeline takes a look at some of the significant health-related incidents impacting Hawaii over the years and the DOH’s involvement.