Public Health Preparedness and Response

South Dakota Health Alert Network (SDHAN)

When a disaster or terrorist event threatens the health or welfare of South Dakota citizens, a fast efficient and reliable communication system is essential to get the word out. Providing information accurately and quickly can prevent the spread of illness and save lives.

The South Dakota Health Alert Network (SDHAN) is a web-based, highly reliable, persistent messaging and alerting system that utilizes e-mail, fax, phone (land line and cell), pages and text messaging systems to provide timely alert messages to registered users. There are three parts to the system:

1. Alerting system - used to alert members and communicate pertinent information
2. Public directory - used to locate other members by either name or role
3. Collaboration tool - used to maintain current communications between members and organizations