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Coalition Facts

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What is a healthcare coalition?

A Healthcare Coalition (HCC) is a regional network of healthcare organizations, emergency response entities, and public health agencies working together to strengthen medical and public health preparedness and response capabilities. HCCs play a vital role in coordinating preparedness efforts, resource sharing, and emergency response planning to ensure community resilience during disasters and public health crises.

 

HCC Core Functionalities (As Defined by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR))

 

HCCs are required to support the four healthcare preparedness and response capabilities outlined in the ASPR 2024-2029 HPP Guidance:

1. Foundation for Healthcare & Medical Readiness

  • Establish partnerships among healthcare organizations, emergency management, public health, and key stakeholders.

  • Ensure coalition sustainability through governance, funding, and active member engagement.

2. Healthcare and Medical Response Coordination

  • Facilitate multi-agency coordination during emergencies.

  • Develop plans for patient movement, evacuation, and surge response.

3. Continuity of Healthcare Service Delivery

  • Ensure essential healthcare services remain operational during disasters.

  • Support continuity planning for critical healthcare infrastructure.

4. Medical Surge Readiness

  • Build capacity to manage large-scale medical needs during disasters.

  • Coordinate resource sharing, triage, and alternate care site operations.

 

Key References:

  • ASPR HPP 2024-2029 Cooperative Agreement Guidance (ASPR HPP Resources)

  • Healthcare Preparedness and Response Capabilities (ASPR, 2024-2029)

  • CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule (42 CFR § 482.15) – Requires healthcare facilities to integrate with HCCs.

How does an organization become a partnering member of the Healthcare Coalition?

In order for an organization to be considered for membership in the coalition, it must meet the following criteria. 

1. Operational mission includes healthcare delivery, first response, critical infrastructure, social services, and emergency management. 

2. Actively participate in Coalition initiatives.

3. Attend 75% of quarterly meetings.

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Benefits of Membership

Access to regional assets
Networking
Information Sharing
CMS Rule
Subject matter experts

How can the Upstate Healthcare Coalition help my organization be better prepared?

The UHCC provides a number of support functions for our partnering agencies, either acting as a health-centric clearinghouse for information or assisting with sourcing and providing resources during routine and emergency operations.  The coalition facilitates training and exercise development throughout the region and further supports our partners under the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR) for Health & Human Services Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) grant program.  This program allows partners to utilize federal funds to strengthen the regional healthcare delivery system.

 Essential UHCC Partnerships 

The official list of agencies that should be part of Healthcare Coalitions (HCCs) is primarily outlined in the ASPR HPP 2024-2029 Cooperative Agreement Guidance. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness Rule (42 CFR § 482.15) and FEMA’s National Response Framework (NRF) also emphasize the inclusion of key agencies. Below is a comprehensive list that expands on the core membership requirements while incorporating additional partners essential for a robust and resilient coalition.

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Core HCC Members (Required by ASPR HPP)

 

Each HCC must include the following four core partner types as a minimum requirement:

1. Hospitals & Acute Care Facilities

  • General acute care hospitals

  • Trauma centers

  • Specialty hospitals (pediatric, burn, psychiatric)

  • Critical access hospitals (CAHs)

  • Rehabilitation and long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs)

2. Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

  • Public and private EMS providers

  • Air medical transport services

  • Mobile Integrated Healthcare (MIH) & Community Paramedicine

3. Emergency Management Agencies

  • Local and regional emergency management agencies

  • State Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

  • Tribal emergency management offices

4. Public Health Agencies

  • Local and state public health departments

  • Tribal public health agencies

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) liaisons

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Additional Essential Healthcare Coalition Members

 

Beyond core members, HCCs are encouraged to integrate additional healthcare and emergency response partners to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

 

Healthcare Facilities & Providers

5.  Long-Term Care (LTC) & Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)

  • Nursing homes

  • Assisted living facilities

  • Memory care units

6.  Primary Care & Outpatient Providers

  • Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

  • Rural health clinics

  • Dialysis centers

  • Ambulatory surgical centers

  • Specialty care providers (e.g., cardiology, nephrology)

7. Behavioral Health & Substance Use Treatment Facilities

  • Community mental health centers

  • Addiction treatment centers

  • Crisis stabilization units

8. Home Health & Hospice Agencies

  • Home health agencies

  • Palliative and hospice care services

 

Emergency Response & Government Partners

 

​9. Law Enforcement & Public Safety Agencies

  • State and local police departments

  • Sheriff’s offices

  • Highway patrol

  • Federal law enforcement (FBI, DHS, ATF)

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10. Fire Services & HAZMAT Teams

  • Municipal and volunteer fire departments

  • Regional hazardous materials response teams

 

11. Medical Examiner & Coroner Offices

  • County or regional medical examiners

  • Mass fatality response teams

 

12. Military & National Guard

  • State National Guard (CST, CERFP units)

  • Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs)

  • VA hospitals and clinics

 

13. Emergency Communications & 911 Dispatch Centers

  • Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs)

  • 911 Call Centers

  • Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES)

 

Community & Support Organizations

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14. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) & Volunteer Organizations

  • American Red Cross

  • Salvation Army

  • Team Rubicon

  • Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)

 

15. Faith-Based & Cultural Organizations

  • Religious disaster response groups

  • Culturally specific service organizations

 

16. Education & Training Institutions

  • Medical and nursing schools

  • EMS and paramedic training programs

  • Public health degree programs

 

17. Utility & Infrastructure Partners

  • Power and water companies

  • Fuel suppliers

  • Telecommunication providers

 

Private Sector & Specialty Services

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18. Pharmaceutical & Medical Supply Companies

  • Pharmacies (retail & hospital-based)

  • Durable medical equipment suppliers

 

19. Laboratories & Blood Banks

  • Clinical diagnostic labs

  • Regional blood banks

 

20. Transportation & Logistics Partners

 

  • Medical transportation providers

  • Public transit authorities

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Final Considerations

  • While core members are required by ASPR HPP, each HCC should expand its membership based on regional hazards, vulnerabilities, and response needs.

  • Cross-sector collaboration with government, private, and nonprofit sectors ensures stronger regional preparedness and disaster response capabilities.

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Address

352 Halton Road -  Suite 301
Greenville, South Carolina 29607

Contact

(864) 372-3060

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