The Center
Welcome to the
Rocky Mountains & High Plains Center for Emergency Public Health
Every day around the world, individuals, families, communities, and nations are confronted with large-scale emergencies that threaten their health and security. These emergencies may be the result of natural hazards (geological, climatological, or biological) or human-induced (both intentional and non-intentional).
The mission of the Rocky Mountains and High Plains Center for Emergency Public Health is to generate, disseminate, and implement knowledge that will increase the capacity of individuals, families, communities, and nations to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from these emergencies and emerge as a more resilient world.
The Center is engaged in research and practice to help support stronger and more prepared local, state, national, and global health departments, agencies, and ministries of health. Led by a team of experienced faculty and staff, The Center provides practical experiences for students interested not only in developing research and practice skills related to humanitarian leadership and emergency health but also promotes direct engagement with local government health departments and non-governmental organizations.
Disaster Playlists
Need a soundtrack for saving the world (or just surviving your inbox)? Dive into our emergency public health playlists, now streaming on Spotify 🎧
Upcoming Events and Activities
Stay connected with what’s happening at The Center including upcoming events we’re hosting or supporting, as well as key activities our team is attending or working on behind the scenes. Check back regularly for updates on how we’re engaging with the field and advancing public health preparedness.
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Preparedness Summit 2025 in San Antonio, TX (April 29 - May 2, 2025)
Presenting: "Exploring Preparedness Needs of Tribal Public Health Systems in Region VIII from Planning to Recovery" by Kimberley Shoaf, DrPH, Megan Petersen, PhD(c), W-EMT, and Tammy Matt, BSN RN (Tuesday, April 29 at 3:30 PM - 4:15 PM CT)
Booth: 804 (Exhibit Hall - A)
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Public Health & Disasters Conference 2025 in West Jordan, UT (October 15-17, 2025)
Join us for out annual conference—a national gathering that brings together professionals across public health, emergency response, and preparedness. Hosted in collaboration with state and local partners, this event is a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and strengthen community resilience.
In the News
Stay up to date on the latest coverage of the Rocky Mountains & High Plains Center for Emergency Public Health! From press releases to featured news articles, explore how our work is making an impact in public health preparedness and emergency response across Region VIII and beyond.