The Health Preparedness & Planning unit is responsible for coordinating public health emergency response activities throughout the county. The unit works closely with the Ocean County Office of Emergency Management, local municipal emergency management coordinators, and other response partners to ensure a rapid, well-coordinated response to emergencies countywide.

The unit is also responsible for numerous planning projects such as bioterrorism, natural disasters, public health threats, preparedness, and planning, as well as coordinating various community health-planning projects currently underway.