2021 Chair & Co-Chairs:
Chair: DJ Phalen, MA, BSPH, CHPP, EMT, NHDP-BS / Director of Operations - Emergency Management, Security, and Facilities / Emergency Preparedness and Response Program; Health Center Partners of Southern California
Co-Chair: Brenda Smith, Program Manager II EOC/EM; Northeast Valley Health Corp.

CPCA Staff:
Lead: Amanda Willard, Senior Program Coordinator of Health Center Operations
Support: Nicole Key, Senior Administrative Assistant

OVERVIEW
California’s community health centers are a diverse group of providers who play varying roles within their communities’ healthcare systems. However, they all have one thing in common – each CHC provides critical primary care services to underserved populations and constitutes an important part of the health care safety net. During times of disaster, emergency, or pandemic, CHCs need to evaluate the needs of their community and their own critical infrastructure by deciding how best they can serve their patients and larger community. During times of stress, vulnerable populations will turn to community health centers for help. Proper emergency planning can make a great difference in your ability to serve your patients and continue clinic operations during AND after an emergency event.

External peer network partners include Direct Relief International and the California Hospital Association.

GOALS
Provide a peer learning environment to share tools and resources that enhances CHC emergency preparedness and response capacity.