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NJHA’s Emergency Management staff is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to support hospitals and health systems, post-acute and long-term care settings, ambulatory and community-based providers and the state’s three regional Health Care Coalitions.

800-457-2262

rhcc@njha.com

https://www.njhcc.org/

New Jersey’s healthcare system must plan for an ever-growing list of threats, including disease outbreaks, cyberattacks, supply chain interruptions, natural disasters, mass-casualty events and violence and security threats – such as the World Cup coming to New Jersey in 2026. These challenges make emergency planning and response more demanding than ever.

Regional Health Care Coalitions

Hospital staff working together during an emergency

Through three regional Health Care Coalitions, hospitals, post-acute care and other healthcare providers collaborate with local emergency response agencies in coordinated planning efforts. These planning teams utilize an all-hazards approach that supports capabilities and capacities throughout the healthcare system. It’s built on flexibility and adaptability to address core areas that include: assessing potential risks; developing plans and procedures and testing them through exercises; educating healthcare teams; ensuring appropriate resources including staff, equipment and supplies; establishing coordinated communication and information systems; and the ultimate priority in the healthcare system – ensuring continuity of operations.

Current Emerging Threats (as of April 22, 2025)

NJHA tracks an array of threats with the potential to impact the healthcare system, its patients and communities across New Jersey, including the following emerging challenges.

FIND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON THE HEALTH CARE COALITIONS WEBSITE

Number 1 of the Emergency Management Threats

1. Measles

In just the first three months of 2025, the United States has experienced more measles cases than all of last year, according to the CDC. Fifteen jurisdictions, including New Jersey, have confirmed measles cases this year. Large outbreaks are ongoing in Texas and New Mexico. Many of the cases have occurred in unvaccinated individuals.

Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, the CDC expects the outbreak to spread and potentially worsen with the upcoming spring and summer travel season.

Additional information, including an N.J. Department of Health dashboard, is available via the NJHCC site.

Number 2 of the Emergency Management Threats

2. H5N1

H5NI bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows with several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers. There currently are no documented cases of human-to-human transmission of the H5N1 bird flu.

While the current public health risk is low, the CDC is watching the situation carefully and working with states to monitor people with animal exposures. The CDC also is using its flu surveillance systems to monitor for H5NI bird flu activity in people.

Number 3 of the Emergency Management Threats

3. Wildfires

Wildfire season in New Jersey begins in March and lasts through June. The Forest Fire Service issues annual reminders to the public to be cautious with outdoor fires during this time and provides guidance on reducing wildfire risk. The vast majority of wildfires in New Jersey are caused by humans. It is important for New Jerseyans to learn the basics about wildfire risk and how to protect their homes and businesses and to access tools to enhance engagement and training.

Number 4 of the Emergency Management Threats

5. World Cup 2025/2026

The FIFA World Cup will be a massive regional event beginning this summer with the Club World Cup and in summer 2026 when the FIFA World Cup final will be held at MetLife stadium. There will be countless fan festivals and watch parties throughout New Jersey as pool play occurs in stadiums throughout the Garden State. Preparation is underway to ensure the health and safety of athletes, spectators and the general public. As these events occur, many effects will be experienced including impacts to transportation and pressure on businesses to absorb increased volume.

Number 5 of the Emergency Management Threats

5. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the greatest threats facing our healthcare system and other sectors across New Jersey. NJHA seeks to protect critical healthcare infrastructure against the escalating cyber threats posed by advanced persistent threat actors and state-sponsored cybercriminals. They target private- and public-sector entities using sophisticated cyber tactics to disrupt operations, steal sensitive data, and undermine security. These cyberattacks have the potential to adversely impact public health the welfare and safety of our residents, the economy and public interests of the state as well as national security. This growing cyber threat demands urgent, proactive cybersecurity measures.