Emergency Response
Public Health Nursing

We are here to help

The Emergency Response program is designed to provide public health nursing services to assist the Emergency Response Social Workers at the Department of Human Services (DHS). The Public Health Nurse collaborates with the Social Workers in assessment, prioritization, and coordination of the health care needs of children who may have suffered from medical neglect or abuse.

Emergency Response
Public Health Nurse Roles

Case Manager – As a case manager, the Public Health Nurse Assists in obtaining, reviewing, and interpreting medical records. He/she links families and children to needed medical services and works with other professionals involved in the care of the child.
Health Educator – Within this role, the Public Health Nurse provides education to parents and children of families within the emergency response network. He/she provides health education and consultation to social workers and other child welfare services staff.

Emergency Response
Public Health Nursing Services

Assesses and evaluates health needs of children in the Emergency Response program.
Coordinates with social workers and other professionals in case managing a child’s health care.
Links families to needed medical services.
Provides education to families and social workers.
Participates in team meetings and other community meetings as they relate to Emergency Response Families.

The Emergency Response Public Health Nurses, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services Social Workers, strive to:

Strengthen families
Protect vulnerable children and adults
Promote preventative health education and awareness, and
Empower families to advocate on their own behalf.

For more information about the Emergency Response Public Health Nursing program in Kern County, please contact:

The Health Unit
Department of Human Services
O.C. Sills Building, Room 220
Bakersfield, CA 93307
Telephone: (661) 631-6835
Fax: (661) 633-7046