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Communication Platforms
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Preparedness Program hosts multiple information technology systems, which can be utilized at state and local levels to assist and support preparedness efforts.
It is ideal that local communities utilize the Preparedness Communications System Matrix (PDF) to improve information sharing and situational awareness between community, regional, and state health and medical organizations. This is a working document and latest updates will be posted when changes occur.
KDHE has developed a Preparedness Information Sharing Committee based on the Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) Capability 6: Information Sharing.
The steering committee is comprised of members from KDHE, Healthcare Coalitions of Kansas, and Local Health Departments. This steering committee continues to develop strategies for coordination between applications and processes for further refinement of applications, in addition to maintaining and updating current platforms.
Kansas Health Alert Network (KS-HAN)
The Kansas Health Alert Network (KS-HAN) is a secure electronic communication system that enables local and state health and safety entities to share public and environmental health information rapidly.
KS-HAN communicates with more than 2,000 participants from local health departments, hospitals, emergency medical services, animal health, clinics, state agencies, private and public health laboratories and other first responders across the state.
System for Emergency Response Volunteers in Kansas (SERV-KS)
The System for Emergency Response Volunteers in Kansas (SERV-KS) is a web-based alerting, management, and credentialing system used by KDHE and Kansas Medical Reserve Corps Unit Leaders. It serves as a tool for the management of volunteers who desire to support public health activities and emergencies.
SERV-KS improves the efficiency of volunteer deployment and utilization by verifying in advance the credentials of volunteer healthcare professionals. This pre-registration and pre-verification of potential volunteers enhance the state's ability to quickly and efficiently send and receive appropriate health professionals as needed to assist with an emergency response.
The system is open to volunteers of all backgrounds, not just healthcare professionals. During an incident, a wide variety of volunteers and skillsets will be needed, such as emergency management, interpreters, or security.