Development of Central Region Fatality Management Services Response Plan Begins

    Posted: 8/2/2017
    (COLUMBUS, OHIO) – Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security (FCEM&HS), the Franklin County Coroner’s Office, Columbus Public Health, Franklin County Public Health and representatives from the Central Ohio region began development on the Central Region Fatality Management Services Response Plan. The regional plan will provide an effective strategy to respond and recover from a mass fatality event impacting any of the 15 surrounding counties.   

    Over the last few years, incidents resulting in significant loss of life have become more frequent. Although, Central Ohio first responders are well trained to respond to these incidents, a coordinated regional plan will increase the entire region’s ability to assist each other to respond and recover from these devastating events.  This regional planning collaboration is unique in the state of Ohio and will serve as a model throughout the country.

    Initially, each of the 15 counties will be provided with national level expertise to advance their local plans, creating a road map to a truly regional approach for responding to and recovering from events ranging in size from one county to all 15 counties.  

    “Loss of life is the most devastating result of any disaster event,” said Jeffrey J. Young, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security. “Having a regional plan will help ensure first responders have access to the resources they need through coordinated support from the Central Ohio region.”

    “This collaboration will provide the framework and partnerships necessary for the region to successfully work together to care for those impacted by the event as well as grieving families,” said Dr. Anahi Ortiz, M.D., the Franklin County Coroner. 

    Participating counties include Franklin, Crawford, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Hardin, Knox, Licking, Logan, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, Union, and Wyandot.  The project is being funded through a $200,000 grant from the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSP) administered by the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (OEMA).

    Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security, a local government agency, coordinates county-wide emergency/disaster planning, education, warning, response and recovery.