Joint Legislative Emergency Management Oversight Committee Page 18
Mr. Joseph Breen, Chief of Planning, Budget, and Support Systems and Emergency
Coordinating Officer for the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) in the
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), gave an overview of DAAS and its
role in emergency response and preparedness. Mr. Breen stated that DAAS is a member
of SERT and works with the Division of Social Services and 16 Area Agencies on Aging
to assist 400 aging providers.
Ms. Carlotta Dixon, Chief of the Program Compliance Section of the Division of Social
Services (DSS) in DHHS provided an overview of DSS and its role as lead coordinator
for DHHS in responding to emergencies and disasters. DSS is responsible for bringing
the various divisions within DHHS and the Division of Emergency Management together
during an emergency. In addition to its role in providing staffing, communications, and
resources, DSS, by order of the Governor, is the lead state agency for the Mass
Emergency Repatriation Program to ensure U.S. citizens are brought back from foreign
countries in an emergency.
Ms. Regina Godette-Crawford, Chief of North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical
Services (EMS) in the Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) in DHHS provided
an overview of EMS and stated that EMS (or Disaster Medical Services) are
supplemental to county governments that are affected by a disaster. Assistance comes in
the form of resources available from within DHSR and often includes support from
multiple agencies within the Department and across State government. EMS is
responsible for coordinating State assistance to local governments in response to medical
care needs.
Mr. Walter Lee Cox, Chief of the Radiation Protection Section (RPS) of DHSR in DHHS
provided an overview of RPS and explained that the staff serves as radiation subject
matter experts for the SERT leader in recommending protective actions for the safety of
emergency workers, public, crops, livestock, and the environment. RPS partners with the
Division of Emergency Management and responds to all radiological incidents involving
radioactive material 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Dr. Julie Casani, Branch Head and Bioterrorism Coordinator, Preparedness System
Coordination, and Pandemic Flu Planning, in the Division of Public Health (DPH) (on
behalf of Dr. Laura Gerald), provided an overview of DPH's preparedness and response
activities. Dr. Casani explained that every case – whether it is infectious disease,
chemical, or radiological exposure – can become an outbreak or be a harbinger for a
larger event. There are 85 local health programs across the State. DPH is a member of
the DHHS Disaster Coordination Committee which is predominately focused on human
services issues. DPH is a SERT partner and the State Health Director is a SERC
Commissioner.
Ms. Robin Smith, Assistant Secretary for Environment in the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR), provided an overview of DENR's role in emergency
response and recovery. Ms. Smith explained that DENR staff responds to both natural
and man-made disasters and emergencies. Examples of the man-made disasters and
emergencies to which DENR has recently responded include: the West Pharmaceuticals