Who We Are

About the MDCHPC
The Miami-Dade County Healthcare Preparedness Coalition, formerly known as the Miami-Dade County Hospital Preparedness Consortium, is a multi-disciplinary group that was established in March 2006 to assist the county in articulating strategic priorities and overseeing the development and execution of preparedness focused on strengthening preparedness and response.

Purpose
The purpose of the Coalition is to provide coordinated effort in dealing with healthcare emergency preparedness and response capabilities of hospitals and community stakeholders in Miami-Dade County.

Goals
To provide a forum for the healthcare community to interact with one another on a county level to:

• Promote emergency preparedness in healthcare settings
• Coordinate and improve the delivery of healthcare emergency response services
• Cultivate communication between county level organizations and community-wide emergency planning and response

Structure 
The Coalition's Board of Directors consists of four Co-chairs: Administrative Co-Chair, Public Health Co-Chair, Operations Co-Chair, and Clinical Co-Chair.  There are also 4 committees: Executive Committee, Exercise & Training Committee, Clinical & Ethical Issues Committee, and Security & Intelligence Committee. Each of the subcommittees, aside from the Executive Committee, has two co-chairs. All committees meet on a bimonthly basis.

Co-Chairs 

Administrative Co-Chair: Vincent Torres, University of Miami Health System, UM Miller School of Medicine
Public Health Co-Chair: Jose Lopez, Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County
Clinical Co-Chair: Dr. Gerard Job, MD, FACEP, Jackson Health Systems/ Miami-Dade Fire Rescue
Operations Co-Chair: John Caprio, SMRT7, South Florida DMAT

Exercise and Training Committee Co-Chair: John Hatfield, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Miami
Exercise and Training Committee Co-Chair: Richard Whitehurst, Baptist Health South Florida
Clinical and Ethical Issues Committee Co-Chair: Dr. Ana Viamonte Ros, Baptist Health South Florida
Clinical and Ethical Issues Committee Co-Chair: Greg Scott, Mercy Hospital
Security and Intelligence Committee Co-Chair: Jesus "Jesse" Menocal, Baptist Health South Florida
Security and Intelligence Committee Co-Chair: Johany Acebal, Nicklaus Children's Hospital

Deputy Director: Marilia van Keeken, Ed.S, MS
Coordinator: Stephanie Bello, MS
​Training and Exercise Coordinator: Riley Tuff, MSW

New members are always welcome!

Our ultimate goal is to assist the county in healthcare preparedness. As such, we welcome all organizations to join us in making our county healthier and stronger. If you would like more information, please contact our Coordinator or attend a meeting. We hope to see you soon.

Contact Us