The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement requires states to conduct a jurisdictional risk assessment (JRA) every five years to advance a jurisdiction’s capabilities to prepare for and respond to public health threats. In 2024, West Virginia conducted its third JRA. The 2024 JRA process engaged a wide array of preparedness stakeholders across all preparedness regions in West Virginia. A fully electronic tool comprised of three key steps was developed to engage preparedness stakeholders in risk data collection and analysis during JRA meetings; the goals of each step are described below:
STEP 1: HAZARD PRIORITIZATION
Purpose: Consider how hazards apply specifically to county health and health systems and explore how impact, probability, and mitigation change risk calculations. Consider and discuss which hazards may be unique to the county or community.
STEP 2: IMPACT INDICATORS DISCUSSION
Purpose: Discuss specific areas (health and public health services and infrastructure, physical and emotional health, etc.) that would be impacted by the top hazards. Consider the levels of resources and assistance needed to address the top hazards.
STEP 3: PREPAREDNESS AND MITIGATION SURVEY
Purpose: Assess key county preparedness indicators. Identify partnership strengths and opportunities for improvement.
Top hazards in West Virginia were found to be diverse, spanning natural, technological, and human-causes. The 2024 West Virginia JRA State Report makes recommendations to guide future public health-led risk assessments, with specific considerations made for West Virginia’s unique demography and geography. See the 2024 West Virginia Risk Assessment State Report. If you have any questions about the 2024 JRA please contact the Center for Threat Preparedness at (304) 558-6900.
2024 West Virginia Risk Assessment.pdf