The Role of Hospitals in Disasters

Hospitals, along with clinics and physician offices, are an essential feature of any medical disaster plan in addition to public safety, public health and disaster management.

In Los Angeles the Hospital Preparedness Program receives federal funds to get hospitals better prepared for any catastrophic disasters. The Hospital Association of Southern California also plays a key role in the role hospitals play. Plans have to be in place and hospitals have to be coordinated to provide efficient use of resources. This coordination is both local, regional and national.