As the program leading comprehensive emergency management for VHA, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has the overall responsibility for program development and implementation.  In an emergency or disaster, OEM coordinates essential  VA emergency medical response and support services at the local, regional, and national levels to ensure the health and safety of our Veteran patients and their families, staff, and visitors, and continued delivery of health care services.

Before, during and after an emergency or disaster, OEM also coordinates VA medical resources to assist other federal departments and the Nation.  This includes support to states and communities requested through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the National Response Framework (NRF) or under the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS), as well as DoD under Public Law 97-174 and the VA/DoD Contingency Hospital System Plan.

VHA OEM also provides information, training, and reference materials that are useful to VA, external health care organizations, hospitals, and other government agencies working, and interested in, Comprehensive Emergency Management.

Learn more about the Veterans Health Administration's Comprehensive Emergency Management Program.

Veterans and the general public who are looking for information about the status of VA facilities during emergency situations can visit the VA Emergency Web site.