MSDC-DoH partnership brings you rapid clinical info in event of pandemic, public health emergency

 The Medical Society of DC and the DC Department of Health's Emergency Health and Medical Services Administration strongly encourage physicians to enroll in the new Health Alert Network (HAN) Messaging System designed to provide timely updates and information about evidence-based patient care practices, policies and procedures in the face of impending threats such as pandemic influenza. 

"Information sharing and collaboration with community-based physicians and other essential partners are key to the successful response to any natural, manmade or technological emergency," a DoH spokesperson said.  "This system allows the Department of Health to alert partners en masse or to transmit to specific specialty groups as required.  The HAN is an integral component of the District's disease and syndromic surveillance system for the real time transfer of clinical data and critical health information. In short, it's a principal weapon in DC's arsenal to combat public health threats."

HAN alerts can be issued 24/7 via e-mail, pager, telephone (cell, home, office or satellite) and fax.  The alerts continue down the prescribed device pathway until the recipient acknowledges the message. The HAN Messaging System can track who has been informed of an event and the supply of available personnel who have responded.  The HAN will also convey information previously provided by two separate sources - the Smallpox Vaccine Tracking System and the Rapid Registration System for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) dispensing system. Established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HAN is part of a national network.

Yes, I wish to be included in the District of Columbia Health Alert Network.

Name____________________________________________________________________________________

Phones (Cell)____________________ (Office) _____________________ (Home) _______________________

(Pager) _____________________________________ (Satellite) _____________________________________

Fax  _______________________  E-mail _______________________________________________________ Other_____________________________________________________________________________________

Please fax this form (202-452-1542) or e-mail this information to evans@msdc.org.  Direct questions or comments to Ms. Evans at 202-466-1800, ext 116.