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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What You Need to Know

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The Lowcountry Healthcare Coalition's FAQ is designed to provide essential information to new and returning partners. The FAQ covers the basics of the coalition's mission and operations, including its focus on improving healthcare services in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.

What is a healthcare coalition?

A Healthcare Coalition (HCC) is a regional network of healthcare organizations, emergency response entities, and public health agencies working together to strengthen medical and public health preparedness and response capabilities. HCCs play a vital role in coordinating preparedness efforts, resource sharing, and emergency response planning to ensure community resilience during disasters and public health crises.

 

HCC Core Functionalities (As Defined by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR))

 

HCCs are required to support the four healthcare preparedness and response capabilities outlined in the ASPR 2024-2029 HPP Guidance:

1. Foundation for Healthcare & Medical Readiness

  • Establish partnerships among healthcare organizations, emergency management, public health, and key stakeholders.

  • Ensure coalition sustainability through governance, funding, and active member engagement.

2. Healthcare and Medical Response Coordination

  • Facilitate multi-agency coordination during emergencies.

  • Develop plans for patient movement, evacuation, and surge response.

3. Continuity of Healthcare Service Delivery

  • Ensure essential healthcare services remain operational during disasters.

  • Support continuity planning for critical healthcare infrastructure.

4. Medical Surge Readiness

  • Build capacity to manage large-scale medical needs during disasters.

  • Coordinate resource sharing, triage, and alternate care site operations.

 

Key References:

  • ASPR HPP 2024-2029 Cooperative Agreement Guidance (ASPR HPP Resources)

  • Healthcare Preparedness and Response Capabilities (ASPR, 2024-2029)

  • CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule (42 CFR § 482.15) – Requires healthcare facilities to integrate with HCCs.

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How does an organization become a partnering member of the Healthcare Coalition?

In order for an organization to be considered for membership in the coalition, it must meet the following criteria. 
1. Operational mission includes healthcare delivery, first response, critical infrastructure, social services, and emergency management. 
2. Actively participate in Coalition initiatives.
3. Attend 75% of quarterly meetings.

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Benefits of Partnership?

The LCHCC provides a number of support functions for our partnering agencies, either acting as a health-centric clearinghouse for information or assisting with sourcing and providing resources during routine and emergency operations.  The coalition facilitates training and exercise development throughout the region and further supports our partners under the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response (ASPR) for Health & Human Services Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) grant program.  This program allows partners to utilize federal funds to strengthen the regional healthcare delivery system.


 Essential Partnerships 
Hospitals / Hospital Systems
Assisted Living Facilities
Nursing Home Facilities
Home Health Agencies
Emergency Management Agencies
Local and State Public Health
Law Enforcement
Fire Departments
Community Health Centers
Emergency Medical Services
Mental / Behavioral Health
Coroners / Medical Examiner
Volunteer Organizations
Public Health Reserve Corps
Hospice Facilities

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