Hantavirus public health crisis response

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the California Department of Public Health a $128,750 cooperative agreement on June 1, 2026, under the CDC Investigations and Technical Assistance program (CFDA 93.283) to enhance California's public health emergency response capacity for hantavirus and other public health crises.

CDPH, in collaboration with the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, will coordinate with local health departments to develop and test emergency preparedness plans, provide technical assistance, and conduct epidemiological surveillance. Key activities include enhancing emergency operations centers, establishing call centers, and deploying staff and resources to support local responses. The work aims to rapidly activate and manage emergency operations and sustain public health services and resources throughout emergencies.

Performance occurs statewide across California through June 22, 2026. The award supports CDPH's multi-faceted approach to strengthening the state's ability to respond to public health emergencies through coordination, technical assistance, and resource allocation to local health departments.

Abstract

The california department of public health (cdph) is submitting this RE-application for the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC) public health crisis response (phcr) cooperative agreement in alignment with the notice of funding opportunity designed to rapidly distribute funds to jurisdictions during a public health emergency. Cdph, in collaboration with the california emergency medical services authority (emsa), is committed to enhancing the state's public health and medical preparedness and response capabilities. An award under the phcr will strengthen california's ability to respond to public health emergencies through a multi-faceted approach that includes coordination, technical assistance, and resource allocation. Background california's public health preparedness is built on a robust local readiness framework supported by state policies. The state has faced numerous public health emergencies, including the covid-19 pandemic, which required extensive activation of emergency response systems. Cdph, along with emsa, has coordinated responses to various disasters, including wildfires, floods, and pandemics, ensuring the safety and well-being of california's residents. Approach cdph's approach involves working with local health departments (lhds) to develop and test preparedness plans, provide technical assistance, and conduct ongoing epidemiological surveillance. The department also focuses on timely communication and coordination with partners and the public. Key activities include enhancing emergency operations centers, establishing call centers, and deploying staff and resources to support local responses. Purpose and outcomes the primary goal is to mobilize and enhance the capacity of the public health and medical system to respond to emergencies. Expected outcomes include: • rapid activation and management of emergency operations. • sustained public health services and resources throughout emergencies. • timely implementation of intervention and control measures. • effective communication of risk and essential information. • continuous learning and improvement through real-time feedback. Strategies and activities cdph will engage in various strategies across six domains to drive a coordinated crisis response: 1. Strengthen incident management for early crisis response. 2. Strengthen community resilience. 3. Strengthen information management. 4. Strengthen countermeasures and mitigation. 5. Strengthen surge management. 6. Strengthen biosurveillance. Collaborations cdph collaborates with federal, state, and local partners, including the CDC, local health jurisdictions, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations. These collaborations ensure a comprehensive and coordinated response to public health emergencies. Evaluation and performance measurement cdph will monitor and evaluate the progress of the project through data collection and reporting to the CDC. The department will ensure that all activities align with national standards for state and local planning and demonstrate measurable progress toward achieving preparedness and response capabilities.