Following the recent medical and public health emergency mobilizations in Texas to Hurricanes Dolly and Gustav, a number of important preparedness and response issues emerged. These onsite observations have been developed into a “lessons learned”exercise program. The format is a DeskTop exercise facilitated by Texas A&M and University of Texas faculty who are syndicated via Simulation Education Services (SES) simulation exercise technology. Each exercise within this service set focuses on a key component of the recent emergency response. The program has been designed to meet DHHS and Joint Commission preparedness requirements while building the foundation for future trainings or full functional exercise testing. An HSEEP-compliant AAR is provided with each desktop exercise. I. Rapid Health Assessment and Crisis Informatics Rapid health assessments within a disaster stricken region can be complicated by the lack of maps, transportation services, hazardous travel conditions, and an up-to- date knowledge of where impacted population has relocated. Methods to standardize the collection of critical health data and to ensure the proper flow of information will be exercised. The proper transmission of data from field responders to emergency operation centers will pose an on-going challenge for health care organizations during the response. This module is designed to exercise and improve the “assessment to response” continuum. II. Managing Health Services During an Emergency When health care facilities, particularly hospitals, are overwhelmed and services are limited, the impact will be transmitted throughout the affected region.  The recent mobilizations to Hurricane Dolly and Gustav show that we must also exercise our patient flow notions at the same time we are dealing with on-going public health threats. This module was designed to exercise patient flow decision-making amid ongoing public health, hospital and EMS disaster response. III. Managing the Health Needs of Populations in Shelters Ensuring proper health services for shelter populations will require coordination with nongovernmental and faith based organizations, state and federally sponsored medical assistance teams, and local service providers. This module was designed to exercise common shelter tasks such as the management food services and sanitation, organizing referrals for victims with chronic disease, coordinating with public health and EMS systems for the delivery of urgent services. Lastly, this exercise will facilitate discharge planning during the recovery phase of the disaster. IV. Evacuation (or Shelter in Place) for Special Needs Populations Special needs populations, particularly those residing within long-term health care facilities are among the most vulnerable and least mobile subpopulations within the disaster-affected region. This module was designed to focus on the preparedness and planning needs of long-term health care facilities. Evacuation (or shelter in place), staffing requirements, mobilization support and proper coordination with state and local health authorities are integral to this DeskTop exercise. For more information, please call (515) 321-7000