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Countermeasure Tracking Systems

Communications Portal

Communications Portal Overview

During a public health emergency, it is critical to have information available as quickly as possible. While email is a useful communications tool, there are challenges associated with maintaining accurate distribution lists, monitoring overuse, and customizing information for particular audiences. Additionally, program guidance and documentation may need to be updated throughout the course of an event. In these cases, it can be difficult to determine which documents are the most current or know where to locate the most up-to-date information. To help alleviate these issues, the Division of Strategic National Stockpile (DSNS) collaborated with the Division of Informatics Solutions and Operations (DISO) Countermeasure Tracking Systems (CTS) team to develop a Communications Portal.

The Communications Portal is a content management system complementary to the Inventory Management and Tracking System (IMATS). The Portal will provide a central place for disseminating critical information to DSNS partners regarding medical countermeasure tracking and usage during a public health emergency. Information may include:

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and Investigational New Drug (IND) information
Lot recalls
Announcements
Related documentation and materials

Communications Portal Functionality

The initial version of the Communications Portal is scheduled for release in 2011. This version will include the following functionality:

A spotlight feature which highlights the most current information and communication to states and localities regarding the event
A general announcements section listing recent communications with hyperlinks to important documentation
A calendar providing information about current and upcoming activities, webinars, and conference calls
A document library containing all available documentation, presentation files, and more
A resource section listing DSNS contacts and other general information
A management capability for Project Areas to add users and customize information for their jurisdictions

The Communications Portal will act to streamline access to important and current communication and documentation during an emergency event.

For more information, e-mail CTSHelp@cdc.gov.