This one-hour webinar, which is part of the Hot Topics series, features three public health practitioners from Montana: Stephanie Nelson, RN, MSN, Brigid O’Connor, RN, PHN, and Doug Moore, MD, MPH. Each describe a unique example of how preparedness resources have contributed to developing the skills, talents, capacity, and experience of a fully functioning health department. Nelson discusses how a rural community in Montana has formalized the relationship between the Health Department, Hospital, Community Health Center and University. O’Connor describes how emergency preparedness funds have enabled their health department to make technological advances through equipment purchases, hire additional staff, and dedicate staff to the local and tribal emergency response commissions. Moore covers the history of the Unified Health Command in Yellowstone County, its mission and objectives, and how it functions.