Think Globally, Respond Locally: Smarter Health Coordination Models

Think Globally, Respond Locally: Smarter Health Coordination Models

Presented at the IAEM 73rd Annual Conference and EMEX (IAEM25), this deck argues that U.S. health emergency response would be stronger with a more consistent, partner-integrated model for working with nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector alongside government leadership. It compares the United Nations (UN) Health Cluster system with the U.S. Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8) framework and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), showing how today’s often ad hoc approach can limit shared situational awareness and slow restoration of critical health services during major incidents. Using examples such as COVID-19 and the Maui wildfires, the presentation outlines what a hybrid, cluster-informed approach could look like in practice, including shared “who is doing what, where” reporting (often called 3W or 4W), clearer roles and participation pathways for key partners, year-round preparedness, and a practical roadmap for implementation.