The ICCE Net preparedness program creates a technical, administrative, and training infrastructure to harmonize risk communications between various levels of government. It also provides a strong basis from which accurate and consistent information could be distributed to the public. The practice has coordinated communications response in three main ways:
- Use of an e-mail listserv to facilitate file-sharing and communication across a broad network
- Creation of local multidisciplinary health information teams who regularly meet prior to an emergency
- A method of disseminating training across different levels of government.
The practice is noteworthy, because it may serve as an effective way to build a strong public information support structure that spans geographic and jurisdictional areas.
The model as presented in these materials uses a system that is unique to the organization of public information structures in North Carolina, and it would need to be adapted to the needs of specific state and local health departments.
