A cooperative, asset-sharing partnership between the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense. NDMS provides resources for meeting the continuity of care and mental health services requirements of the Emergency Support Function 8 in the Federal Response Plan. A federally coordinated initiative to augment the nation's emergency medical response capability by providing medical assets to be used during major disasters or emergencies. NDMS has three major components: Disaster Medical Assistance Teams and Clearing-Staging Units to provide triage, patient stabilization, and austere medical services at a disaster site; an evacuation capability for movement of patients from a disaster area to locations where definitive medical care can be provided; and a voluntary hospital network to provide definitive medical care. NDMS is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services/U.S. Public Health Service, in cooperation with the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, FEMA, State and local governments, and the private sector. (Facts on the NDMS)