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PHEP 20th Anniversary graphic

CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) program is commemorating 20 years of partnering with states, local jurisdictions, and territories to prepare and plan for public health emergencies.

Since 2002, the Division of State and Local Readiness (DSLR) in CDC’s Office of Readiness and Response (ORR), has assisted public health departments across the nation with funding, technical assistance, and other resources.

CDC, ORR, and DSLR are recognizing their state, local, and territorial public health preparedness workforce and their contributions to the PHEP program over the past two decades.

CDC acknowledges the outstanding work of PHEP Trailblazers, PHEP Pathfinders, and PHEP Champions.

  • Trailblazers are public health preparedness directors and other staff who have made lasting contributions to the field of public health emergency preparedness over the past 20 years.
  • Pathfinders are public health preparedness professionals early in their preparedness careers who demonstrate effective leadership, innovation, and a willingness to contribute to the broader preparedness community.
  • Champions are staff who have been with the PHEP program in their jurisdictions in some capacity for at least 10 years. Champions may also be community health workers or other volunteers.