What does the Medi​cal Countermeasures (MCM) Strategy Unit do?

The MCM Strategy Unit is part of the Office of Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response (OIDPR). The unit supports the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to plan and apply MCM interventions during infectious disease outbreaks and public health emergencies, including bioterrorism events. ​

The MCM Strategy Unit monitors emerging infectious disease threats. It plans emergency response policies in preparation for potential MCM interventions. It also prioritizes health equity and collaboration with critical stakeholders. The MCM Strategy Unit collaborates with other CDPH centers during public health emergency responses. This includes the Center for Infectious Diseases (CID), the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR), and the Center for Laboratory Sciences (CLS).​

What are medical countermeasures?

MCM are Food and Drug Administration–regulated products related to pharmaceutical and medical supplies. They are important for responding to infectious diseases and public health emergencies. They are to prevent, diagnose, or treat infectious disease outbreaks in impacted populations. This can include diagnostic tests, personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccines treatments such as antimicrobial or antiviral drugs.​

Why?

There may be minimal resources when infectious disease outbreaks and other emergencies start and can spread fast. Proactive planning for MCM interventions is essential. It can equitably improve the health and safety of Californians.

Ongoing CDPH responses involving MCM interventions:​

• ​Avian Influenza A (H5N1)
  
• Promotion of PPE to farmworkers at risk for H5N1  
• Provide PPE Educational materials. Examples include: CDPH Worker Protection from Bird Flu (Spanish) (PDF) and the CDC’s Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - Reducing Risk for People Working with or Exposed t​o Animals
• Distribute PPE to eligible entities and develop a strategy. Such as  How to Request PPE for Farmworkers to Protect Against Avian Influenza (HPAI H5N1) - also known as Bird Flu
• Development of powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) distribution strategy to support Local Health Department (LHD) response to H5N1
• ​ Plan and provide oseltamivir resources for LHDs
  
• Distributing important information to LHDs  about extending oseltamivir (Tamiflu​©​) expiration dates. This information is from the strategic national stockpile from the Department of Healthcare Services Improving Access to Influenza Countermeasures for U.S. Jurisdictions. 
  
• COVID-19
• ​CDPH provided increased access to testing resources
• Disseminated and develop COVID-19 Testing Guidance: CDPH​ How to Get Tested
• Developed a strategy on how to request Over-the-Counter Tests. Particularly for local health departments and organizations that serve high-risk populations.

For any questions, please reach out to CIDMCM@cdph.ca.gov ​