Emergency Response Outreach & Training (EROT)

State Public Health Laboratory

The State Public Health Laboratory provides Emergency Response and Outreach to ensure rapid and effective laboratory services in response to public health threats and emergencies, whether they are intentional, accidental, or natural. Preparations entail biological, chemical, or radiological exposures; and emerging infectious disease outbreaks, whether natural or intentional in nature. This team develops and coordinates multidisciplinary emergency response activities between various internal and external partners as they relate to public health laboratory functionality.

One of the main objectives of the Emergency Response & Outreach Team has been to establish the Missouri Laboratory Response Network (MOLRN). The MOLRN consists of governmental and private laboratories throughout the state that work together to improve laboratory support both in routine and emergency situations. MOLRN members are provided with up to date information regarding testing procedures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Health Alerts/Advisories from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The Emergency Response & Outreach Team also provides resources to clinical laboratories such as training and assistance with emergency planning.