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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 Celebrates National Hospital Week

May 15, 2026

MHA Celebrates National Hospital Week

As National Hospital Week comes to a close, MHA is honored to celebrate and support the dedicated caregivers, administrators and hospital teams who…
Read article: "MHA Celebrates National Hospital Week"
DHSS Shares CDC Health Advisory On Multicountry Hantavirus Cluster Linked To Cruise Ship

May 15, 2026

DHSS Shares CDC Health Advisory On Multicountry Hantavirus Cluster Linked To Cruise Ship

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services shared the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s health advisory on the 2026…
Read article: "DHSS Shares CDC Health Advisory On Multicountry Hantavirus Cluster Linked To Cruise Ship"
CMS Announces Enrollment Moratoria On HHAs And Hospices

May 13, 2026

CMS Announces Enrollment Moratoria On HHAs And Hospices

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a six-month moratoria on home health agencies and hospice providers. The moratoria is a…
Read article: "CMS Announces Enrollment Moratoria On HHAs And Hospices"
Analyst Employee Working On Spreadsheet Using Desktop Computer

May 13, 2026

Symposium To Bring Regional Health Finance Leaders To Kansas City Region Aug. 3-4

The Kansas City region will host hospital finance, reimbursement and managed care leaders at the Midwest Managed Care Symposium on Monday, Aug. 3,…
Read article: "Symposium To Bring Regional Health Finance Leaders To Kansas City Region Aug. 3-4"

Get Involved Events & Education

All Events
Apr 22

2026 CMS Hospitals CoPs Updates

It’s not too late to benefit from MHA’s 2026 CMS Hospital CoPs Update. Register now to access the on‑demand recording and submit questions to the…

View event: "2026 CMS Hospitals CoPs Updates"
May 18

Governing Body and Medical Staff Conditions of Participation

This presentation will examine the regulatory requirements for hospital boards and describe situations in which the governing body has been…

View event: "Governing Body and Medical Staff Conditions of Participation"
May 18

HIDI Office Hours

Connect with HIDI experts during open office hours — get personalized help with tools, data submission and more.

View event: "HIDI Office Hours"
May 19

Quality Directors Academy

This six-part academy is designed for individuals new to hospital-based quality director or quality department roles.

View event: "Quality Directors 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