Current Emergency Information

Arkansas Department of Health

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We Can't Predict. We Can Prepare.

What is Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI)?

Little Rock has been selected by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to participate in a pilot emergency planning program called Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI). This program is designed to increase central Arkansas’ capacity to deliver medicines and medical supplies (within 48 hours of the decision to do so) to the public during a large-scale public health emergency such as an earthquake.

For more information about CRI, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: www.bt.cdc.gov/cri/qa.asp

The Little Rock service area includes seven central Arkansas counties: Faulkner, Grant, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Saline and Garland. Map - PDF

Want to know how you can play an important part in emergency preparedness in your community?

VOLUNTEER
The Arkansas Department of Health is establishing a public health emergency response volunteer organization to prepare communities in central Arkansas should a major health crisis ever occur.

Use the link or call one of the phone numbers listed below to register as a Volunteer Health Professional. Arkansas Volunteer Registry

All emergencies are LOCAL and need management by LOCAL people. By volunteering to work with others at emergency clinic sites, you can help in a time of need.

In the event of a large-scale emergency, the public will be directed to a centralized Point of Dispensing “POD” location for medicines that will keep them from getting sick. VOLUNTEERS are needed to operate these locations. VOLUNTEERS from all walks of life are needed to fill roles such as inventory control, packing supplies, data entry, medical positions or just being there for your friends and neighbors.

To volunteer, contact the health unit in one of the seven participating local county Health Units for more information: