The DPH Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (OPHPR) is responsible for the development and implementation of the state's public health emergency plan and initiatives. OPHPR promotes the health and safety of Connecticut by preparing the state against public health emergencies and ensuring the timely response of emergency countermeasures through local and state means while maintaining equal access to preparedness services for all communities. 

The office ensures compliance with all state and federal mandates with respect to preparedness and response and coordinates department operations during emergencies. To support these activities, the office identifies and secures grants that strengthen the state's public health preparedness including administering the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP), and the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) cooperative agreements.

Statewide public health and healthcare communications are coordinated by OPHPR in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP), & Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). OPHPR also partners with DEMHS and the Military Department for the New England Disaster Training Center, a training facility that offers unique hands-on training focused on preparing civilian and military disaster responders.