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I. PURPOSE: <br />The purpose of communication from KCPHD is to issue information and respond to requests in a <br />timely manner and provide information24lT during an emergency. KCPHD will strive to <br />maintain consistency of information distributed and preserve department credibility as well as <br />protect patient confidentiality and be sensitive to issues within the community. <br />II. SCOPE: <br />Information may be shared with various audiences including members of the public, community <br />partners, Board of Health members, Board of Health Advisory Committee (BOHAC) members, <br />KCPHD, members of the media, the Washington State Department of Health, and other local <br />health jurisdictions. KCPHD may use various methods of communication, especially during a <br />disruption of technology. <br />III. SITUATION OVERVIEW: <br />The department has a designated Public Information Officer (PIO) and a designated back-up <br />PIO. The PIO is responsible for the following during an emergency: <br />A. Under the direction of the Administrator or Health Officer, the PIO is responsible for all <br />emergency communications. <br />B. Represent KCPHD at a Joint Information Center (JIC) if one is activated. <br />C. Coordinate message release with community partners if a joint release is issued. <br />D. Create all department press releases in emergency situations, even if the Incident Command <br />System (ICS) has been initiated. <br />E. Message clearance may be expedited to be approved by the Administrator of KCPHD only. <br />Some messages have been preapproved for press releases covering emergencies that routinely <br />happen in Kittitas County (floods, wildfire). <br />IV. PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS: <br />During a large-scale incident, technology and certain communications may be unavailable. If <br />systems are down, the PIO will post regular updates at the front desk of KCPHD. In addition to <br />physical signage, we may use radio stations to broadcast information or HAM radio operators in <br />the county. People with access and functional needs including people with disabilities and <br />residents who are non-native English speakers will need to have access to understandable two- <br />way coflrmunication during emergencies. KCPHD will make every attempt to provide <br />information in multiple languages as well as use printed information, including social media <br />68