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SETRAC 12th Annual Healthcare Preparedness Symposium

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The Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council (SETRAC) will host the 2021 Annual Regional Healthcare Preparedness Coalition (RHPC) Symposium on October 20-22 at the Galveston Island Convention Center.
The event is an opportunity for national collaboration, sharing of information, best practices, and innovations. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the symposium was cancelled in 2020.
“We felt it was important for our healthcare and emergency management partners to have the opportunity to discuss the incredible events of the past 18 months,” said Darrell Pile, SETRAC CEO. “COVID-19 was challenging but it sparked tremendous innovation and there are lessons learned that need to be shared.”
The Preparedness Symposium promotes resiliency in the healthcare community and will feature esteemed guest speakers from around the world as well as panel discussions. This year’s topics include healthcare, public health, EMS, public safety, trauma, and emergency management.
The RHPC Symposium is comprised of headliner keynote speakers along with practical learning and sharing sessions. The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) is collaborating with RHPC. Below are the subject matter experts who will participate and topics covered during the event.
  • Dr. Jamal Hoballah, MD. MBA. FACS., American University of Beirut Medical Center Vascular Surgery/ Surgical Critical Care
  • Vered Kater RN, MsN, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Assistant Clinical Professor of Nursing, St. Louis University, Global Health Educator
  • W. Nim Kidd, Chief of Texas Emergency Management Texas Division of Emergency Management
  • Michael Lambert CHPP, MBA, Emergency Management/Homeland Security at Houston-Galveston Area Council of Governments
  • Justen Noakes, Director of Emergency Preparedness at H-E-B
  • Mark Sloan, Homeland Security & Emergency Management Coordinator at Harris County
Topics include:
  • Real World Events
  • Crisis Leadership
  • Trauma
  • Emergency Management
In addition, attendees will be able to tour a new, 53-foot trailer specifically designed to perform mobile kidney dialysis infusions. The trailer is able to support eight simultaneous infusions, a team of 4 providers, and is fully wheelchair accessible. It is completely self-contained and can operate independently of electric, water, and internet utilities.

About RHPC
The RHPC is divided into five corridors, served by a Chair and Vice-Chair. A major component of the response is the Catastrophic Medical Operations Center (CMOC). The CMOC is an industry recognized best practice for ensuring resiliency of the regional healthcare infrastructure by a multi-disciplinary group. At the request of a jurisdictional authority, CMOC will activate according to the current Regional Emergency Preparedness Plan that is on file at the City of Houston Office of Emergency Management.

About HCOHSEM
HCOHSEM is a national model of best practices in emergency planning, preparation, response, and recovery. HCOHSEM helps prepare, safeguard and protect the residents and property of Harris County from the effects of disasters through effective planning, preparation, response, and recovery activities. HCOHSEM collaborates with regional transportation, industry, healthcare, education, and non-profit groups to ensure Harris County is resilient and ready to respond to any emergency. Harris County is the third largest county in the United States, covering 1,777 square miles.

Who: Photo and interview opportunities will be available with symposium organizers; guest speakers may be available by special arrangement

What: 2021 RHPC Healthcare Preparedness Symposium
When: Wednesday, October 20 – 22
Where: Galveston Island Convention Center
5600 Seawall Boulevard
             Galveston, Texas 77551