09/29/2026
Preparing Before an Emergency PART 2: From Preparation to Response
When an emergency occurs, Amanda Jimenez’s role shifts from preparation to action. As Pitt County Public Health’s Emergency Planner and Preparedness Coordinator, she may staff the Emergency Operations Center, support Public Health operations, coordinate shelter staffing, or assist with an infectious disease response. Throughout an event, she works with county, state, and healthcare partners to share information, monitor changing conditions, coordinate resources, and anticipate emerging needs.
Public Health also provides County leaders with critical information about how an emergency may affect the community. Disease surveillance, real-time data, situational updates, and established procedures help leaders assess potential health impacts and make timely, informed decisions.
The preparation that happens throughout the year provides the foundation for that response. Plans, training exercises, disease surveillance systems, and relationships with partner agencies allow Public Health to move quickly when conditions change and the community needs support.
“Each updated plan, training session, exercise, and strengthened partnership helps build a Public Health system that is ready to respond and a community that is better equipped to recover,” says Amanda. “Protecting the public’s health during an emergency doesn’t start when disaster strikes. It starts long before with preparation.”
