Fact Sheet
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan 13, 2006 |
Contact: HHS Press Office
(202) 690-6343
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HHS SECRETARY'S COMMAND CENTER FACT SHEET
Overview: The Secretary's Command Center (SCC) serves as a central point of communication and coordination for the Secretary and the Department in responding to disasters, emergencies, and ongoing health threats such as the avian influenza. The Secretary's Command Center with its state-of-the-art layout and business plan has become a model set-up and its staff has consulted on the construction of operations centers for the World Health Organization, several countries' health agencies, and other federal agencies.
Budget: The Command Center was built on time and under budget - in 59 days at a cost of $3.7 million. Congress gave HHS $13 million to improve communications and command systems, with $4.5 million originally set aside for the Command Center. The remaining money will be used to add and improve additional crisis communications systems throughout the department.
Communication: The Command Center combines various forms of communications, including terrestrial as well as satellite communications, and a number of back-up and redundant systems to ensure the Secretary and HHS officials can constantly communicate with federal, state and local officials in the event of an emergency.
- HHS uses the Command Center as the focal point of a new, improved coordinated communication system with all federal, state and local agencies.
- The SCC provides a communication conduit for participating and organizing international public health efforts.
- Using computers, satellite videoconferencing, telephones and other forms of communication, HHS officials can now communicate with command centers in the field as well as at CDC, NIH, FDA and other federal partners such as FEMA, the FBI and the CIA - allowing all involved to share information in real time.
- The enhanced communications systems allows the Command Center to provide the Secretary with up-to-the-minute information, so he can make decisions based on the latest and best information available.
Information Technology: The Command Center has 34 state-of-the-art workstations. There are special work areas for the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness, the Surgeon General, HHS division leaders and liaisons from other federal agencies.
- Use of the Internet Protocol system creates a system of computers, radios and telephones that are interoperable, which means they can all talk to each other. The system covers potential communications gaps that could otherwise exist. This innovative approach addresses the problems encountered by many federal, state and local agencies during the terrorist attacks of 2001.
- The network is being expanded to include federal, state, and local partners so the best and most efficient communications possible will help create a more virtual pubic health management system.
Videoconferencing: The Command Center provides videoconferencing capability for up to 10 participants, allowing HHS to link international and domestic federal partners, local officials and teams in the field for a videoconference.
Geographic Information Systems: GIS technology is used in the Command Center to provide the necessary tools and information to accurately gauge the potential or actual effects of both natural occurring and man made public health crises. High-resolution imagery, detailed information on infrastructure and an advanced approach to modeling populations are coupled to create a single and powerful information tool. GIS technology is used in conjunction with consequence management software and incident management software to quickly provide an important graphic aspect to critical decision-making information.
Visual Technology: The 10-screen video wall creates a virtual image 7 feet high and 24 feet wide. Any image on any computer, television or camera connected to the Command Center can be displayed on the video wall. Up to 12 different images can be displayed on the screen. Nine additional 60 inch plasma screens are used to monitor developing public health emergencies via 31 satellites across North America and Eastern Europe. HHS also can view local television news from stations in major metropolitan cities across the nation and monitor breaking news events as they occur.
Security: Every system in the Secretary's Command Center has a primary, secondary and tertiary component to provide redundant capabilities and avoid denial of service or functionality. There is a 400-kilowatt emergency generator and an off site data back-up system protecting the work.
Operations: Since its official opening in December 2002, the Command Center has been in continuous operation. U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Officers and HHS civilian employees prepare daily briefings for the Secretary and monitor all communications channels for public health-related information. HHS uses the Command Center facilities for all major operations including the medical response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the SARS and monkey pox outbreaks, the 2003 West Nile virus season and a number of exercises including the TOPOFF3 national terrorism response exercise.
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Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.
Last Revised: February 17, 2006
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