(WASHINGTON, DC) On Tuesday, January 23, Office of Unified Communications (OUC) hosted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to discuss operations and collaboration to strengthen emergency response in the District.

NHTSA Acting Administrator Sophie Shulman and OUC Director Heather McGaffin discussed recent innovations and challenges being faced by emergency communications centers around the country.

The National 911 Program, 911’s federal “home,” is housed in NHTSA’s Office of Emergency Medical Services and plays a critical role by coordinating federal efforts that support 911 centers across the nation. OUC has historically participated in programs led by The National 911 Program to help bring the perspective of large city 911 centers to federal initiatives. OUC ranks as the 4th busiest 911 center in the country and handled approximately 1.77 million calls in FY 2023.

“We are grateful for the National 911 Program’s leadership and support of our focus on hiring and retention, enhanced technology, and training,” said OUC Director Heather McGaffin.

OUC will continue to look to the National 911 Program and NHTSA in its ongoing efforts to make operational, training, and technological advancements in 911. Working with federal partners will enable the agency to further strengthen responses to emergencies and build upon the trust and confidence residents have in the District’s 911 center.