The Region 5 Healthcare Coalition brings together hospitals, EMS, public health, emergency management, long-term care, and other healthcare stakeholders across nine Southwest Michigan counties (Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Van Buren) to enhance regional readiness. 

 

Since its establishment in 2002, R5 HCC has facilitated cross-jurisdictional planning, training, exercising, and coordinated response efforts to disasters, mass casualty incidents, and hazards of all types.  It operates through regular collaborative meetings, shared protocols, resource coordination, and initiatives such as MI-TESA, a deployable field medical unit. 

 

R5 HCC also supports EMS and medical control authorities across its counties, manages equipment requests and volunteer registry programs, and cultivates system-wide resilience by aligning grant efforts, best practices, and communications during emergencies.