Through its Pediatric Medical Specialty Team (PMST), Children's Mercy partnered with the Missouri Disaster Medical Assistance Team (MO DMAT-1), the Missouri Behavioral Health Strike Team and other regional agencies to provide pediatric expertise during one of the largest planned public events in the region's history. The collaboration was coordinated through the Missouri State Emergency Management Agency and supported operational planning for local healthcare systems, emergency responders and event venues. 

Children's Mercy clinicians and emergency preparedness professionals provided pediatric subject matter expertise, operational medical support and consultation to help ensure the needs of children were integrated into emergency response plans. The deployment also strengthened coordination among healthcare organizations, including the Kansas City Fire Department, The University of Kansas Health System and other regional partners involved in event operations.

The effort required multidisciplinary collaboration across Children's Mercy, including Emergency Management and Business Continuity, Critical Care Transport, the Emergency Department, Pharmacy, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Communications, Marketing and Philanthropy. Teams coordinated staffing, equipment, supplies and technology to support field operations throughout the event.

Children's Mercy also partnered with the Pediatric Pandemic Network to provide pediatric-focused resources, including communication tools and comfort kits designed to support children during emergencies and high-stress situations.

According to Jennifer Watts, MD, MPH, the deployment reflected Children's Mercy's commitment to extending pediatric expertise beyond the hospital setting and supporting regional healthcare capacity. By helping provide care and consultation in the field, the team contributed to reducing potential strain on emergency departments and healthcare systems while supporting a major public event.

The initiative highlights the critical role of pediatric specialists in disaster preparedness and large-scale event planning, as well as the importance of collaboration among healthcare, emergency management and public safety partners to ensure comprehensive care for children and families during community-wide events.