Regional Emergency Preparedness and Response Efforts Heralded in Haverhill

November 14, 2024 – The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), as the sponsoring organization of the Massachusetts Region 3 Health and Medical Coordinating Coalition (HMCC), hosted a successful Multi-Hazard Mitigation Conference at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. The event, aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and response efforts across the region, brought together key stakeholders from public health, emergency medical services, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and other healthcare providers in the region.

The Mass. Region 3 HMCC is a regional collaboration that works to enhance the emergency preparedness capabilities of local communities, healthcare facilities, and response teams. The coalition consists of 49 member communities and focuses on promoting mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery efforts through cooperation among various healthcare disciplines, emergency responders, and local governments. This initiative enables resources to be shared, communication to flow effectively, and preparedness efforts to be coordinated regionally. The conference was organized by MAPC's Emergency Preparedness Practice Team in partnership with the Region 3 HMCC Board of Governors.

The event kicked off with a powerful keynote address by the Brockton Fire Department’s Chief Brian Nardelli, who captivated the audience by sharing his firsthand experiences of simultaneously managing the evacuation and battling the fire at Brockton Hospital in February 2023. His reflections on the critical coordination between fire services, hospital staff, and emergency responders emphasized the importance of preparedness and effective communication during large-scale incidents. Chief Nardelli stressed the importance of relationships and how this led to a successful response.

Breakout session speakers included Nancy Burns of the Upper Merrimack Valley Medical Reserve Corps, who discussed the Incident Command Structure and its importance in maintaining an organized and efficient response during emergencies. Amy McHugh, superintendent of the Marblehead Water and Sewer Commission and director of the Department of Public Works, presented on the specific challenges Region 3 HMCC members must consider when addressing water and sewer hazards in the event of a disaster. The session was a reminder of the critical role that public works agencies play in supporting healthcare and emergency services. National Grid also sent a team to the conference to discuss their role in providing support and assistance during emergencies. Their session highlighted the importance of utility companies in disaster response and how coordination with healthcare and emergency teams is essential for maintaining services such as electricity, which can be vital during a crisis.

The conference provided valuable opportunities for participants to network, share resources, and strengthen regional partnerships. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions and gained valuable insights from experienced professionals in the field. By coordinating efforts and addressing challenges together, the MA Region 3 HMCC is better equipped to respond to any hazard, ensuring the safety and well-being of all communities in the region. This collaborative approach to emergency planning, resource sharing, and training continues to foster resilience and preparedness across Massachusetts.