Receiving a check for PAPRs from Heidi Wheeler, Readiness and Response Coordinator for NPHCC, was Dari Olson, emergency management director at Community Hospital. Also present were members of Community Hospital’s administration: (left) Karen Kliment Thompson, Vice President Ancillary Services; Molly Herzberg, Vice President Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer; Lori Beeby, Vice President Support Services; Troy Bruntz, President & CEO; and Sean Wolfe, Chief Finance Officer.

Community Hospital received $5,668 recently for the purchase of two chemical PAPRs for the hospital’s decontamination team from the Nebraska Plains Healthcare Coalition. PAPRs are powered air-purifying respirators used to safeguard workers against contaminated air.

“Nearly $37,500 was given to providers in our region, including Community Hospital, to improve their preparedness capabilities,” said Dari Olson, emergency management director at the hospital. EMS, long-term care facilities, and hospitals were all recipients who used the funding to purchase radios, respiratory and personal protective equipment.

NPHCC is one of six coalitions across the state that assist healthcare entities with disaster planning and response. The Healthcare Coalitions are funded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response through the Nebraska DHHS.

ASPR’s Hospital Preparedness Program enables the health care delivery system to prepare for, respond to and, recover from the adverse health effects of emergencies and disasters. This is accomplished by providing support to the nation’s ability to withstand adversity, strengthen health and emergency response systems and enhance national health security.