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Preparedness & Emergency Response

MHA Staff headshot Kara Amann Kale

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Kara Amann

Director of Hospital Preparedness Programs

Hospital emergency preparedness and response is fundamental to community resiliency.

These planning resources establish hospital readiness, and provide a proven response and recovery framework, for before, during and after an emergency.

Stages of an Emergency

01. Preparedness

Preparedness are steps taken to ensure safety before, during and after an emergency. It is a continuous cycle of planning, organizing, training, equipping, exercising, evaluating and taking corrective action in an effort to ensure effective coordination during incident response.

02. Response

Response takes place in the initial minutes of an emergency and involves repeated assessment, planning, action and review to respond appropriately to needs and capacities as they evolve.

03. Mitigation

Mitigation is the effort to reduce the loss of life and property by lessening the impact of incidents.

04. Recovery

Recovery is the phase of the emergency from the point of incident stabilization to a return to a “normal” state.

MHA Resources

Implementing the Basics of HICS

On-demand content is available to ensure operational level staff or executives are equipped with the foundational knowledge and skills to navigate any crisis seamlessly.

  1. Operational Level
  2. Executive Level

Health Care Preparedness Professional Orientation Timeline

The Health Care Preparedness Professional Orientation Timeline provides a standardized orientation template to understand facility requirements, regional resources and Missouri’s health care response system. (Excel file)

  1. View the Timeline

Federal Emergency Management Agency

FEMA’s mission is to lead America to prepare for, prevent, respond to, and recover from disasters with a vision of “A Nation Prepared.”  The agency offers several resources to help people before, during, and after disasters.

National Incident Management System

FEMA’s National Incident Management System provides a common, nationwide approach to enable the whole community to work together to manage all threats and hazards. NIMS applies to all incidents, regardless of cause, size, location, or complexity. NIMS retains key concepts and principles while incorporating lessons learned from exercises and real-world incidents, best practices, and changes in national policy.

MHA Resources

FEMA Resources

  1. View the Latest Preparedness & Emergency Response Resources
  2. Learn More About EMResource/EICS
  3. Learn More About the Missouri Health Care Coaltition

Stay Informed MHA Newsroom

All News
MHA Seeks Presentation Proposals For Workplace Safety Convening

July 1, 2026

MHA Seeks Presentation Proposals For Workplace Safety Convening

The Missouri Hospital Association is seeking presentation proposals for its “Accountable Leaders for Worker and Environmental Safety” convening…
Read article: "MHA Seeks Presentation Proposals For Workplace Safety Convening"
Judge hammer gavel and doctor stethoscope on wooden table background in courtroom. Health law, medical law rules, regulations in the health care industry and its patients, medical malpractice concept.

July 1, 2026

Eighth Circuit Rejects Novartis Appeal In 340B Litigation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit upheld the district court’s decision denying an injunction against SB 751, which extends contract…
Read article: "Eighth Circuit Rejects Novartis Appeal In 340B Litigation"
Burn, Heat and Infection Preparedness Resources Available For World Cup

July 1, 2026

Burn, Heat and Infection Preparedness Resources Available For World Cup

With four of six World Cup matches completed in Kansas City, Mo., and a fifth scheduled for Friday, July 3, health care delivery continues without…
Read article: "Burn, Heat and Infection Preparedness Resources Available For World Cup"
On the Move: Hospital Leadership Changes for July 2026

July 1, 2026

On the Move: Hospital Leadership Changes for July 2026

Check out these leadership changes from hospitals around the state for the month of July 2026:Mercy Southeast Communities Names Amanda Shelast As…
Read article: "On the Move: Hospital Leadership Changes for July 2026"

Get Involved Events & Education

All Events
Jul 1

2026 Pain Management Series Registration: Advancing Substance Use Care in Clinical Practice

Join us for a four-part informational series focused on improving clinical practice related to opioid prescribing, pain management, stimulant use…

View event: "2026 Pain Management Series Registration: Advancing Substance Use Care in Clinical Practice"
Jul 7

Infection Prevention Academy

This eight-part orientation will prepare infection prevention health care professionals for surveillance, prevention and control of…

View event: "Infection Prevention Academy"
Jul 8

Overdose Trends in Missouri

Join us as we delve into the current state of the state regarding overdose trends in Missouri. 

View event: "Overdose Trends in Missouri"
Jul 13

Clinical Faculty Academy

Train the next generation of nurses! This two-day academy equips RNs to succeed as clinical instructors with key skills, support and CNE…

View event: "Clinical Faculty Academy"
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Mutual Aid Agreement

The Missouri Hospital Mutual Aid Agreement establishes a coordinated system through which hospitals throughout Missouri and in adjoining states will provide mutual aid to each other as necessary to support emergency medical care needs in a medical disaster.

  1. Download the Mutual Aid Agreement