A pioneer is described as, “One of the first to settle in a territory”. The 13 counties that comprise California’s Office of Emergency Services Mutual Aid Region III are pioneers developing quality information accessible rapidly via the Internet by both the public and professionals in “virtual” territory. Region III Bioterrorism / Disaster Coordinators continue to pull together to prepare rural communities in the event of a bioterrorism incident or other public health threat.

Region III received special grant funding from California to enhance a regional public health approach to preparedness and response. As a result Region III counties are pioneers in a project that is modeled after the simple, yet effective wagon wheel. The bottom layer of the “hub” of the wheel will contain information available for public access by all residents in the counties. The upper layer of the “hub” will contain more specific information suitable for viewing by public health and other designated professionals.

Thirteen spokes radiate from the hub. Each of these spokes represents one of the 13 Region III counties. A mini web site has been developed at the junction of each spoke and rim. County specific public health Bioterrorism / Disaster information is available at these 13 sites on a 24/7 basis to all residents.

It is the desire of the Bioterrorism / Disaster Coordinators for Region III counties that this web site will provide a wealth of information that will prepare and sustain their residents in the event of a public health threat or emergency. You are invited to read and print out material that will aid your family to prepare or respond during such an event.