OP&R organizes and prepares for public health and medical emergencies through statewide partnerships with public, private and government agencies to coordinate an effective emergency response for the health and safety of all residents of Maryland. The Office of Preparedness and Response is responsible for staffing the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DHMH) Command Center during a significant public health event such as pandemic, natural disaster, act of terrorism or any incident that requires the coordination of state level health department resources. All staff are trained in the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS). The DHMH Command Center coordinates the state health department response to an incident in collaboration with the MEMA's Emergency Operations Center and other state agencies.