Community health centers (CHCs) provide critical primary care services to underserved populations and are an important part of the health care safety net. During a disaster, emergency, or pandemic, CHCs must assess the needs of their community and their own critical infrastructure by deciding how to best serve their patients and community.

Emergency management directly intersects with health center program requirements, as well as current and evolving healthcare initiatives such as PCMH, Triple Aim/Quality Improvement, Meaningful Use, and Health IT.

CHADs role in supporting CHCs includes: 

• Liaison to state and regional leaders  
• Emergency preparedness information and updates
• Training and exercise facilitation

CHAD collaborates with North Dakota Emergency Preparedness and Response and South Dakota Emergency Management, as well as national meetings hosted by NACHC's Director of Emergency Management.