LSU Health Shreveport selected as National Disaster Medical System Pilot Program site
The program, led by the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (NCDMPH), was authorized by Congress to improve synergy, efficiency, and capacity within the NDMS. According to a press release, LSUHS is one of only eight strategically located pilot sites in the United States and one of two sites in the southern U.S.
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'The selection of LSUHS was based on numerous factors, including strategic location, proximity to Barksdale Air Force Base, and serving as a regional academic medical center,' the release stated. 'Also contributing to the LSUHS's selection as a pilot site is the institution's robust research, technology, and educational capabilities, along with expert faculty and staff, established partnerships throughout the community and state, and strong motivation and community support.'
The release added that the program will run for five years and focus on the requirements of a large-scale combat operation (LSCO) or catastrophic event. To accomplish this, LSUHS will focus on creating new partnerships while intensifying existing ones with public and private organizations, including healthcare providers.
'LSU Health Shreveport is honored to have been selected as a site for the NDMS Pilot Program, said John Vanchiere, MD, PhD. 'We take this privilege and responsibility seriously and will work tirelessly to prepare and execute a disaster response that delivers an optimal outcome for those injured in a war or natural disaster.'
According to the release, LSUHS is also a member of the National Center's Joint Disaster Medicine and Public Health Ecosystem, a national resource comprised of leading organizations across the U.S. that have demonstrated excellence in disaster medicine and public health. LSUHS was one of the first Ecosystem partners and the only partner in Louisiana.
For more information about the NCDMPH and the NDMS Pilot Program, visit ncdmph.usuhs.edu/ndms-pilot.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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