Emergency Support Function (ESF-8)

The Louisiana Emergency Preparedness and Response Network was established through the collaboration of key partners under the Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF-8). This multi-agency coalition works collaboratively to develop, implement, and manage the ESF-8 Public Health and Medical Response plans before, during, and after a declared emergency.

ESF-8 integrates the capabilities of governmental and select private sector entities into a cohesive organizational framework to ensure a coordinated response to public health and medical emergencies. This structure is designed to provide the resources, coordination, and support necessary to:

• Save lives
• Protect property and the environment
• Assess public health/medical needs
• Restore essential services and critical infrastructure
• Assist communities and individuals in returning to normal operations following major incidents
• Operate medical needs shelters
• Coordinate patient movement
• Manage surge ambulances
• Coordinate mass fatality responses
• Conduct mosquito abatement

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the ESF-8 Disaster Network, comprising nine healthcare coalitions, hospital CEOs and CMOs, and state agency partners.
• Coordinating and executing surge contracts for shelter operations, ambulance services, and supplemental staffing during emergencies.
• Directing operations at state-level Emergency Operations Centers, including:
• EMS Tactical Operations Center (TOC)
• LDH Emergency Operations Center
• Hospital Regional Coordination Network
• Overseeing all patient movement and tracking activities throughout all phases of a disaster.
• Coordinating emergency health response during natural or manmade disasters.
• Supporting hospitals, long-term care, and public health facilities statewide.
• Strengthening regional readiness through training and drills.
• Issuing official guidance during health emergencies.
• Maintaining and updating Louisiana’s public health emergency plans.

Through comprehensive planning, coordination, and real-time response capabilities, the Louisiana Emergency Preparedness and Response Network ensures the state is equipped to effectively respond to public health and medical emergencies of any scale.

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ESF-8 Portal

The ESF-8 Portal, a secure, web-enabled platform that supports preparedness, response, and recovery activities. The portal facilitates real-time data collection and information sharing among over 5,000 licensed medical facilities statewide.

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ESF-8 Portal Training Schedule*

*This schedule is tentative. If you are interested in participating in trainings, please reach out to ESF8Help@la.gov. 

August	Documents Portal / Messaging
September	Portal Feedback
October	Security Management
November	Portal Feedback
December	MSTAT
January	Portal Feedback
February	Resource Management
March	Portal Feedback
April	HVA
May	Portal Feedback
June	Reporting
July	Portal Feedback

Additional Resources

• LHA Burn Surge Annex
• LHA Chemical Surge Annex