Emergency Care Coordination Center

The Emergency Care Coordination Center (ECCC) is a new strategic entity, which is located within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The ECCC was established in response to the DHHS’ identification of the pressing needs of the nation’s emergency medical system.  For millions of Americans, hospital Emergency Departments (EDs) are a major portal of entry into the healthcare system. With the number of hospitals diminishing, emergency department utilization rising, and staffing and financial pressures impacting the delivery of care, numerous signs are indicating a possible breaking point of an already fractured emergency care system.

In addition, the DHHS recognizes that the successful delivery of daily emergency care is a necessary foundation for our nation’s emergency preparedness efforts.  Public health and medical disaster readiness continue to be priorities for the US government (USG). Improving the resiliency, efficiency, effectiveness, and capacity of daily hospital emergency medical care delivery will strengthen the nation’s state of readiness for public health emergencies and disaster.

The ECCC is committed to the promotion of programs and creation of resources that will improve both emergency medical and emergency behavioral health care services. Through coordination of overall government efforts for in-hospital emergency care, we will work towards ensuring that emergency services are meeting the needs of the nation.

Our Vision
To enhance the provision of exceptional emergency medical care for all people in the United States.

Our Mission
To assist and strengthen the U.S. government’s efforts to promote Federal, state, tribal, local, and private sector collaboration and to support and enhance the nation’s system of emergency medical care delivery.