Network #15 Response
In preparation for an emergency ESRD Network #15 will:

• Encourage dialysis facilities to plan for emergency situations
• Provide technical assistance in the development of emergency plans
• Provide educational materials to the patient and provider community on topics related to emergency/disaster preparedness
• Develop an internal Network plan for preparedness and response, including arrangements with back up Networks if local operations are impaired

During an emergency response, and per HIPAA and CMS policy, ESRD Network #15 will:

• Disseminate central contact numbers for dialysis providers in the affected area, to assist patients and providers in coordinating the provision of dialysis services
• Post information regarding open and closed status of facilities on the www.dialysisunits.com web site
• Assist patients in contacting dialysis providers to arrange treatment
• Assist family members in locating displaced patients
• Assist treating facilities to obtain necessary information to care for patients
• Work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or its contractor to maintain a database tracking system for patient whereabouts (dialysis centers and/or shelter locations)
• Host conference calls with CMS, providers, vendors, and other entities to coordinate care for the patients
• Implement arrangements with a back-up Network if the operations of Network #15’s office are compromised

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Web Site Links

Bird Flu Resources - From the Nephron Web site; has links and news about Avian Influenza.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Has sections on: disease outbreaks and terrorism events; health and safety; publications and products; and data and statistics.

Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity (COCA) - COCA was established by the CDC for the purpose of timely communication of information on disease outbreaks and terrorism events.

Department of Homeland Security - Has a section on preparedness and response which includes topics such as Training and Technical Assistance, Publications, and Local Resources.

www.dialysisunits.com - During a disaster Networks can log on to this Web site to update the open/closed status of their dialysis units, and patients can see these statuses.

Kidney Community Emergency Response Coalition - This coalition was formed in 2006 in an effort to minimize disruption to life-sustaining dialysis and transplant services in the event of a disaster.

Pandemic Flu.gov - One-stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Has links to each of the 50 states' individual pandemic flu Web sites.

Ready.Gov - Created by the Federal government, this site covers all aspects of disaster preparedness and has links to community and state information.

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Written Resources

Are You Ready? Steps to Consider for Dialysis Patients and Families - Reprinted with permission from Network 13

Dialysis Facility Disaster Plan Template - (Microsoft Word Document - 5 pgs) - Check-off list of action steps to be taken before an emergency happens.

Emergency Preparedness for Dialysis Facilities (pdf - 143 pgs)

Preparing for Emergencies - A Guide for People on Dialysis (pdf - 40 pgs) Spanish Version

Dialysis Patient Emergency Planning Needs Assessment Questionnaire - (pdf 2 pgs) Spanish Version

Four Keys to Being Prepared for a Disaster - (pdf - 3 pgs)

Network #15 Pandemic Influenza Newsletter (pdf - 4 pgs)

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Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Avianflu.gov - Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. One-stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information.

Bird Flu Resources - Resource Links and News about Avian Influenza from the Nephron.com Web site .

CDC Avian Influenza Information

United States Dept of Agriculture Avian Flu Information

World Health Organization (WHO) Avian Flu Information

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Pandemic Influenza

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) an influenza (flu) pandemic is "a global outbreak that occurs when a new influenza A virus causes serious human illness and spreads easily from person to person." Currently there is no flu pandemic. However, the possibility for a global outbreak of a new influenza exists, so it is imperative that health care providers take steps to be prepared for such an occurrence. The links below provide additional information that is relevant both on a national and local level for health care providers within Network #15.

Pandemic Flu.gov - One-stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information. Managed by the Department of Health and Human Services. Has links to each of the 50 states' individual pandemic flu Web sites.

Network #15 Pandemic Influenza Newsletter (pdf - 4 pgs)

New Mexico Department of Health - Contact Person: Dr. C. Mack Sewall, Phone: 505-827-0006

Nevada State Health Division - Contact person: Luann Ritch (Public Health Preparedness), Phone: 1-775-684-4002

Utah Department of Health - Contact person: Dr. Robert Rolfs, Phone: 801-538-6191

Wyoming Dept of Health - Contact person: Nicole P Lindsay, M.S., Phone 307:777-8640, Fax: 307-777-5573.

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Tuberculosis Control

CDC Division of Tuberculosis Elimination

State TB Control Officers - (pdf - 3 pgs)

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Intermountain End-Stage Renal Disease Network, Inc.
1301 Pennsylvania St #750, Denver, CO 80203-5012
Phone: 303-831-8818     Fax: 303-860-8392
Toll free for patients only: 1-800-783-8818 or 1-888-777-0105

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