Health Alert Network (HAN)
The Health Alert Network (HAN) is a nationwide system for coordinating and distributing important information about public health events. The HAN creates a secure website and emergency messaging system for communication among health agencies for terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other public health threats.
In Arkansas, the HAN is used to distribute health alerts, prevention guidelines, and other information, such as weekly newsletters. ADH can notify health care providers, hospitals, and local health departments immediately by e-mail or by voice notification if there is a disaster, food-borne illness, or other public health emergency. Information can also be shared with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM), laboratories, pharmacies, veterinarians, and other health agencies.
Categories of Health Alert messages:
- Health Alert: conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
- Health Advisory: provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
- Health Update: provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.
