DSI Facilitates Big Bend Healthcare Coalition Kick Off Meeting

by Frank Koutnik

TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Big Bend Healthcare Coalition (BBHCC) held its initial kick-off meeting at the Leon County Public Safety Complex, within the Leon County Emergency Operations Center. Over 37 healthcare stakeholders from the eight counties who form the BBHCC (Gulf, Franklin, Wakulla, Taylor, Leon, Gadsden, Jefferson, and Madison) were in attendance. DSI's Frank Koutnik, Senior Emergency Management Advisor and Ray Runo, DSI's Senior Public Health Advisor facilitated the meeting. 

At the meeting, and Executive Board was selected from among those in attendance. This Executive Board will provide the direct guidance on how the BBHCC will conduct its business, and prioritize its functions. 

Up to this time, a "Coordination Team" guided the BBHCC comprised of Ms. Holly Kirsch, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Leon County, Mr. Tom Quillin, Chief, Leon County EMS, Mr. Kevin Peters, Director, Leon County Emergency Management, and Mr. Philip Doyle, Director of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital Safety Department. At lease one participant from every county participated in the meeting, as well as a number of interested parties.