Together, we:
• provide a forum for the healthcare community to collaborate, not only with one another, but with other response agencies at a county, regional, and state level to promote a mission of emergency preparedness.
• promote emergency preparedness in a productive exchange of ideas and alternative approaches from diverse experiences, in order to develop regional plans that support all of our community’s healthcare services, and enhance regional response to emergencies and disasters.
• strive to continuously improve the timely delivery and regional coordination of healthcare emergency response services, and further improve communication between local, regional, and state entities on community-wide emergency planning and response.
• provide coordinated exercises and training to prepare the HERA healthcare system to produce optimal outcomes when disaster strikes for those who rely on us most.
• promote preparedness in the healthcare community through standardized practices and integration with other response partners.
Our leadership is comprised of elected representatives from a variety of healthcare facilities, including emergency medical services (EMS), emergency management (EMA), hospitals, limited care centers, behavioral health, local health departments, and long-term care (LTC). Our general membership boasts participation from over (200) healthcare facilities within Louisville and the surrounding counties, in addition to over (24) partnering community agencies.
We meet bi-monthly on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Click on our calendar to learn more about the next meeting.
Prepare | Collaborate | Mitigate | Respond
Hospitals
Hospitals are a cornerstone of the Healthcare Emergency Response Alliance (HERA) Coalition, providing critical care capabilities and serving as central hubs for medical response during disasters. As the primary destination for patients during emergencies, hospitals bring expertise in advanced medical treatment, surge capacity management, and specialized care for a wide range of incidents, from trauma and infectious disease outbreaks to chemical exposures. Their role in HERA ensures that healthcare delivery remains coordinated, efficient, and resilient, even under the pressures of large-scale or complex events.
Within the HERA Coalition, hospitals work closely with EMS, Emergency Management, public health, and other partners to develop integrated response plans, share situational awareness, and coordinate resources. They participate in coalition-led training, drills, and communication exercises to strengthen readiness and ensure continuity of care. This collaboration enhances the region’s ability to respond as a unified healthcare system, safeguarding patients and supporting the community when it matters most.
EMS
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) play a critical role in the Healthcare Emergency Response Alliance (HERA) Coalition by serving as the front-line link between patients, healthcare facilities, and the broader emergency response system. EMS providers bring specialized skills in pre-hospital care, rapid patient assessment, and safe transport, ensuring that individuals receive timely medical attention during emergencies. Their close integration with hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities allows for smoother patient flow, more effective triage, and better allocation of critical medical resources during disasters and large-scale incidents.
Within the HERA Coalition, EMS agencies collaborate closely with healthcare leaders, Emergency Management, law enforcement, and other response partners to coordinate plans, share critical information, and streamline operations during high-stress situations. They actively participate in joint training, exercises, and planning efforts to ensure that emergency medical care is seamlessly woven into the region’s preparedness and response framework. This partnership ensures that when a crisis occurs, EMS and healthcare providers are ready to work as one, protecting lives and sustaining essential medical services.
Health DepartmentS
Health Departments are a vital component of the Healthcare Emergency Response Alliance (HERA) Coalition, providing public health leadership, disease prevention expertise, and community health coordination during emergencies. Their responsibilities include monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks, guiding public health messaging, and supporting medical countermeasure distribution. By participating in HERA, Health Departments ensure that public health considerations are fully integrated into regional preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, helping to protect the overall health and safety of the community during crises.
Within the HERA Coalition, Health Departments work closely with hospitals, EMS, Emergency Management, Long-Term Care facilities, and other partners to coordinate resources, share critical information, and develop unified response plans. They play a key role in coalition-led exercises, communication drills, and joint planning, ensuring that public health strategies align with the needs of the broader healthcare and emergency response system. This collaboration strengthens the region’s ability to respond cohesively to emergencies, safeguard public health, and maintain trust through clear, consistent messaging.
EMA
Emergency Management agencies are a vital part of the Healthcare Emergency Response Alliance (HERA) Coalition, bringing expertise in disaster preparedness, response coordination, and resource management. Their role is to bridge the gap between healthcare facilities and the broader emergency services network, ensuring that hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities are fully integrated into community-wide emergency plans. By understanding hazards, assessing risks, and developing response strategies, Emergency Management agencies help healthcare partners prepare for a wide range of threats — from natural disasters to hazardous materials incidents and mass casualty events.
Within the HERA Coalition, Emergency Management works side-by-side with healthcare leaders, law enforcement, fire/EMS, and other partners to ensure a unified, coordinated response during emergencies. They help organize joint exercises, facilitate real-time communication during incidents, and ensure that critical resources such as medical supplies, evacuation support, and sheltering capabilities are readily available when needed. This partnership strengthens the region’s resilience, allowing healthcare and emergency services to work seamlessly together to protect lives and maintain essential operations during crises.
Long Term Care (LTC)
Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities are an essential part of the Healthcare Emergency Response Alliance (HERA) Coalition, caring for some of the community’s most vulnerable populations. Their role extends beyond day-to-day healthcare to ensuring the safety and well-being of residents during emergencies, including natural disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, and utility disruptions. LTC facilities bring valuable expertise in continuity of care, specialized medical needs, and sheltering in place, while also planning for safe evacuation when necessary. By being part of HERA, they have direct access to coordinated resources, communication channels, and support from other healthcare and emergency response partners.
Within the HERA Coalition, LTC facilities collaborate with hospitals, EMS, Emergency Management, and public health agencies to align response strategies and share vital information. They engage in coalition-driven training and exercises to strengthen preparedness, practice evacuation and sheltering plans, and ensure that critical supplies and staffing are maintained during crises. This partnership helps protect the health and dignity of residents while contributing to a more resilient and connected regional healthcare system.
Other
Other partner agencies and businesses play an important role in the Healthcare Emergency Response Alliance (HERA) Coalition by bringing unique resources, expertise, and capabilities that strengthen the overall emergency response network. These partners may include utilities, transportation providers, volunteer organizations, community-based groups, and private-sector businesses that can offer logistical support, equipment, personnel, or specialized services during emergencies. Their participation in HERA helps ensure that critical infrastructure, supply chains, and community services remain operational and coordinated when disasters occur.
Within the HERA Coalition, these partners collaborate with healthcare organizations, Emergency Management, public health, and first responders to support preparedness planning, share situational awareness, and integrate their capabilities into response strategies. They participate in coalition exercises, contribute to communication and coordination efforts, and provide resources that can bridge gaps during crises. By working together, HERA’s diverse network of partners builds a more resilient region, ensuring that the community can recover quickly and effectively from any emergency.