The Collin County Bioterrorism Response Team is part of the Collin County Department of Homeland Security developed by the County Commissioners to direct and coordinate the county response to disasters, emergencies, and terrorist events (including bioterrorism).

Vision
The Bioterrorism Response Team has been formed to enhance community efforts and planning measures for the residents of Collin County. By collaborating with existing departments and facilities within the County, the team will update, improve, and expedite bioterrorism planning and preparedness interventions for our community.

Mission
Collin County's Bioterrorism Response Team is dedicated to improving public health practices by providing accurate communication with timely information dissemination. The team will obtain and distribute necessary and appropriate training related to bioterrorism identification and response. We will also commit to expedited identification and administration of disease surveillance and reporting measures. With enhanced collaborative working efforts with other County agencies, we will increase bioterrorism planning and preparedness capacities for Collin County residents.

Goals and Objectives

• To educate Collin County residents about the Department of Homeland Security and Bioterrorism Response Team.
• To facilitate training for Collin County agencies to enhance planning and preparedness efforts for potential natural and bioterrorism disasters.
• Educate the medical community about Collin County Health Care Services capacities to detect and investigate disease outbreaks.
• The Bioterrorism team will empower the medical community to provide timely reporting for accurate disease surveillance.
• The Bioterrorism team will actively participate, facilitate, and expedite communication connectivity throughout the County through improved technology and communication systems.
• To work collaboratively with the Collin County Public Information Officer by providing educational materials, improving informed evidence based decisions about preparedness efforts, and reducing anxiety and fears about potential natural and bioterrorism events.

Planning and Preparedness Initiatives
To date, Collin County has made great advances in its bioterrorism planning and preparedness efforts. In relation to the CDC Grant Focus Area, our accomplishments include:

Planning and Readiness Assessment

• Assessed and updated Emergency Management plans
• Developed a Smallpox Mass Vaccination Plan and begun preparedness efforts
• Developed and implemented a Smallpox Pre-Event Vaccination Plan focusing towards protecting public health personnel and hospital personnel
• Developing Strategic National Stockpile Distribution Plan
• Purchasing support equipment
• Improved emergency communication processes and purchased additional communication systems
• Communicated bioterrorism planning efforts with county stakeholders (cities, school districts, hospitals, first responders, etc) and collaborating with Regional/Local Officials
• Coordinating bioterrorism planning and preparedness with surrounding counties

Surveillance, Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity

• Hired Infection Control Nurses for County Epidemiology
• Developed epidemiological surveillance procedures
• Developed epidemiological reporting procedures
• Installing epidemiological surveillance software
• Coordinating biological laboratory testing with Dallas County Bioterrorism Response Team & area hospitals

Health Alert Network and IT Communication

• Hired IT Specialist
• Assessing IT system
• Purchased and installed HAN Network
• Purchasing Emergency Notification Systems
• Purchasing IT Support Equipment
  

Communication, Information Dissemination, Education and Training

• Assessed County communication connectivity
• Purchasing and installing satellite system for bioterrorism education and training
• education and training
• Assessing training needs and developing cross-training programs for first responders
• Assessing public education needs and developing educational programs
• Developed a bioterrorism website
  

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Photo Gallery
Curious about the Bioterrorism Response Team planning and preparedness activities?
Check out our Photo Gallery.

Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about bioterrorism planning? Check out our Bioterrorism Planning Frequently Asked Questions.