FAQ

What is the South Dakota Health Alert Network (SDHAN)?

The South Dakota Health Alert Network (SDHAN) is a secure web-based system accessible anytime and anywhere for emergency planning and response communication with public health and public safety partners. The South Dakota Department of Health and South Dakota Departments of Public Safety administer the SDHAN to facilitate alerting and collaboration between federal, state, local public health departments, clinics, hospitals, emergency managers and other public health and emergency partners on a 24/7/365 basis. This common environment brings together dissimilar organizations and allows them to take a uniform approach on response and recovery during a health or public safety event.

Back to top

What is the purpose of SDHAN?

To have the ability to receive and confirm Health and Public Safety Alerts/Advisories/Updates in minutes from federal, state, and local government during emergencies, urgent events, disasters, and transmit relevant information about emergency issues to public health, public safety and medical partners.

Back to top

Who can register for a SDHAN account?

To be eligible for an account on the SDHAN, an applicant must be considered a key point of contact during an emergency. The registration process involves selecting a matching functional role in the organization where you physically work. Organizations that are part of SDHAN include hospitals, clinics, ambulance services, home health providers, health organizations/systems, public health, public safety county and municipal officials, NWS, PSAPS, School Superintendents, Emergency Managers, and tribal contacts. Once registration is complete, it will be reviewed by a SDHAN Administrator to determine whether an account is appropriate. Upon approval, you will receive an automated message from the system indicating you are accepted into the requested organization. Alert information provided through the SDHAN is suitable only for health and public safety professionals. The SDHAN is not intended for use by the general public and media organizations.

Back to top

How will I receive Health or Public Safety Alerts/Advisories/Updates?

The majority of HAN messages will continue to be received via email. The new SDHAN is web-based and will enable SD DOH to forward CDC HAN messages, and allow SD DOH and SD DPS to send HAN messages and information via email. In addition to emailing HAN messages, DOH and DPS will be able to send messages via phone, fax, Short Message Service (SMS) and pagers. This system will support secure alerts if necessary.

Back to top

What type of information will I need to provide to register with SDHAN?

When registering, you must provide work contact information, job title, and preferred methods of contact. You must also agree to the terms of service. Only include direct phone numbers on your profile. Do not use phone numbers that connect to a switchboard or front desk. It is recommended that you enter a username that consists of your first initial, last name, and additional numbers if your username is already taken.

Back to top

Who can see my personal information?

You can see your own information and manage your own account. The system administrator can also see your information but it is not viewable by others.

Back to top

Is my information safe?

Yes, security is a top priority on the SDHAN. Every possible step relating to data integrity and security is taken in order to prevent abuse and protect participants’ privacy. Please review the Privacy Policy and contact us if you would like further information.

Back to top

How do I change or update the information in my profile?

Once a new user has completed the registration process, you will be able to log in to your account using your username and password to update your account information. Current users may update profile information at any time by logging into the system.

Back to top

How do I obtain help in navigating the SDHAN?

When you are logged in to the SDHAN, you will find a "Help Center" at the top right of the page. The Help Center provides Online Help, Video Help and Quick Reference Guides.

Back to top