Pandemic preparedness : community assessment and information centre (CAIC) model / Dep. of Health and Human Services.

Entrant: Pre-disaster Category, Combination Stream, Safer Communities Awards 2005.

The Community Assessment and Information Centre (CAlC) Model is a significant pandemic preparedness strategy developed by the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Local Community Epidemic Protection Pilot Program (LCEPPP). The DHHS established the LCEPPP early 2005 in conjunction with the Tasmanian Risk Mitigation Program to address the capacity of Tasmania to respond to the real and current threat of a pandemic. The DHHS undertook the modelling process in collaboration with the Kingborough Council, a Tasmanian local government area. The CAlC Model is a strategy based on a multi sectoral approach to pandemic preparedness and planning. The model is community focussed, with the pandemic being fought in the community by the community, to ensure that the effects of this type of health emergency are minimised. Specifically, the CAlC is a clinical assessment outpost or "fever clinic" established in the local community to provide a focal point where people can be assessed and receive information in the event of a pandemic.