Who is behind the Center for Threat Preparedness?
The Center for Threat Preparedness (CTP) is a government agency of the State of WV, under The Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR). Charged with overseeing the health response to disasters occurring within the borders of West Virginia, response is undertaken collaboratively with many partners. Among these are physicians and health care providers within local health departments, hospitals, Emergency Medical Services agencies, Emergency Management agencies, WV Poison Center, etc. CTP began in 2002 and is supported primarily through federal funding.
What are the responsibilities of the CTP?
Within WVDHHR, CTP facilitates advance planning and preparation for health disasters. The Center works to coordinate, support and oversee the effort; much of the work itself is undertaken by hundreds of individuals, organizations, and agencies located throughout the state.
When does the CTP become most visible?
When existing entities surge past their normal capacity, CTP coordinates additional services to help meet the demand. Once health and medical issues are no longer stretched beyond their maximum, CTP steps aside. In the meantime, CTP is constantly preparing for anything that potentially affects the public on a large scale.
Where does the CTP function & what is its jurisdiction?
The CTP office is in Charleston and is responsible for public health preparedness for the entire state.
Why was the CTP created?
In 2001, the President of the United States issued Presidential Policy Directive / PPD-8: National Preparedness. This directive is aimed at strengthening the security and resilience of the United States through systematic preparation for the threats that pose the greatest risk to the security of our Nation, including acts of terrorism, cyber-attacks, pandemics, and catastrophic natural disasters. Our national preparedness is the shared responsibility of all levels of government, the private and nonprofit sectors, and individual citizens.
How does this affect me?
In the event of a disaster, CTP would be a driving force in coordinating the public health response and recovery for affected citizens in West Virginia. You can get prepared by reviewing our website and by visiting
http://www.Ready.gov.