Strengthening Preparedness. Supporting Communities. Advancing Evidence.
The Pacific Southwest Center for Emergency Public Health partners with local, state, tribal, and territorial health departments across California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawai‘i, and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands to strengthen our region’s capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from public health threats.
As one of ten Centers funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Readiness and Response, we advance evidence-based strategies that improve public health emergency preparedness and response (PHEPR). Our work is grounded in collaboration, equity, and practical solutions that meet the real-world needs of the communities we serve.
Our Approach
We work side by side with public health agencies and communities, supporting the adaptation and adoption of strategies that reflect local contexts, strengths, and priorities. Through applied research, pilot projects, training, and technical assistance, we help translate evidence into action.
Our Focus Areas
The Center focuses on three key areas.
Workforce Surge Readiness
Building a resilient public health workforce ready to respond, surge, and sustain operations during emergencies.
Weather-Related Harms and Illness
Advancing preparedness for weather-driven health threats through evidence, pilots, and scalable solutions.
Risk Communication
Strengthening trusted, clear public health communication in the face of mis- and disinformation during emergencies.