About Us

First Coast Disaster Council (FCDC)

Scope

FCDC is a nonprofit organization that began over 20 years ago. FCDC coordinates healthcare disaster preparedness and response efforts across multiple sectors, including healthcare facilities, emergency response agencies, and community organizations.

Activities

The council organizes community-wide disaster exercises and facilitates collaboration among various stakeholders to enhance regional resilience. FCDC offers resources, training, and exercises that promote resilience and reduce burnout among healthcare staff, ensuring they can continue to serve their communities effectively.

Structure

As an independent nonprofit, FCDC operates through a board of directors and engages directly with local entities to promote disaster readiness. The President of FCDC is Monica Santiago.

Our Impact

FCDC helps streamline communication and resource distribution during disasters, reducing duplication of efforts and ensuring that healthcare facilities receive timely support. By protecting both patients and providers and fostering a coordinated, resilient approach to handling emergencies, FCDC ensures that healthcare facilities remain operational and effective during critical moments. Beyond immediate disaster response, FCDC plays a crucial role in long-term recovery by assisting healthcare organizations in rebuilding and enhancing their preparedness for future events, thus contributing to a more resilient healthcare infrastructure.

Our Mission

Coordinate response of NE FL medical facilities to natural or man-made disasters
Facilitate cooperation between hospitals, medical practitioners, medical service agencies, government agencies, and other organizations or individuals concerned with emergency medical services
Review, develop and recommend programs that will ensure efficient utilization of community resources in a disaster
Promote and facilitate educational and training programs for persons interested in emergency and disaster preparedness

Conduct mass casualty drills for hospitals and agencies needed to meet certification standards and maintain a high degree of preparedness within the medical community.

Our Vision

We envision a resilient healthcare system that can efficiently and effectively respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both healthcare providers and community members.

History

Founded over 20 years ago, FCDC has a rich history of coordinating disaster preparedness and response efforts, fostering trust and confidence among community members, and contributing to a more resilient healthcare infrastructure. We continue to build on this foundation to better serve our community in times of need.

Disaster Council Officers

First Coast Disaster Council Officers for 2024-25

Monica Santiago, MA, FPEM

President

Emergency Management Coordinator
Risk Management
Birdsall 147
Phone: 904-953-4448

Email: santiago.monica@mayo.edu

Richard Ward

Vice – President

HCA Healthcare

Email: richard.ward@hcahealthcare.com

Council Members

These are the current Council Members for 2024-25

David Chapman CHSP, CHEP, NHDP-BC, CCM

Council member

Safety Officer II
Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside
4201 Belfort Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
904-296-3835 office