PUBLIC HEALTH ARCHIVES
FINAL REPORT: Food Defense
Amy Kircher
December 13, 2013
Food, like water and air, is essential to sustain life. As such, when someone deliberately taints that sustenance at any point in the food supply chain, the result can be devastating. This report addresses the topic of food defense, which is of great importance to the preparedness community, but it
Community Resilience & Functional Needs
Marko Bourne
December 10, 2013
On 7 November 2013, U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled that: (a) New York City’s emergency planning inadequately accommodates people with disabilities; and (b) the city is in violation of local and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. In his ruling, Furman said that the city’s current plans
Raising the Capabilities Bar for Future Medical Teams
Joseph Cahill
December 4, 2013
Predicting the future of emergency medical services (EMS) is often a frustrating task; but it also can be extremely rewarding. For many years, EMS leaders have been predicting a day when paramedics will be able to treat patients on-site – without having to transport them to a hospital or other
Redirecting Dual-Use Research Regulations
Courtney Gavitt
November 20, 2013
Life science research benefits society in many ways, but also creates certain risks – particularly when that research falls into the wrong hands, either deliberately or unintentionally. Clearly defined rules and regulations governing the results of such dual-use research could help keep scientific research focused on less dangerous and more
Emergency Management & Public Health: Partners in Preparedness
Kay C. Goss
November 20, 2013
Despite the fact that emergency managers and their public health partners have much in common, they often do not collaborate effectively in responding to mass-casualty emergencies. By identifying existing similarities and finding more common ground, the future reparedness and response efforts of both groups will be even more successful.
A Unified Strategy for Biodefense Preparedness
Patrick P. Rose
November 13, 2013
Regardless of what many experts perceive as the likelihood of a biological attack, continuing improvements in U.S. public health preparedness programs are necessary to ensure more effective response operations and save countless lives. A cooperative approach to biodefense planning should include an expansion of the nation’s existing arsenal of medical
Intelligent Accountability – Being Prepared for the Unthinkable
Susan Collins
November 13, 2013
The unthinkable can happen at any time, and in any place. Being able to track and credential first responders in a timely manner against the unseen perils in today’s dangerous world can save many lives. This podcast interview provides important insights on the effective use and training of intelligent accountability
Needed: More Biothreat Training for First Responders
Steven P. Bucci and Jennifer Corrente-Bucci
November 13, 2013
Biological weapons are the most significant threat the United States now faces. Identifying the signs and symptoms early is the best method of defending against such weapons, but U.S. military personnel are not yet properly equipped and trained to identify and prevent the spread of such threats.
Black Swans – Preparing for Pandemic & Biological Threats
Robert C. Hutchinson
November 6, 2013
The first step in preparing for a “Black Swan” event is to confirm that it actually exists. Once that is done, it is important to recognize its potential impact, implement the plans and strategies needed, and understand the roles played by all stakeholders involved.
NamUs: Narrowing the Search for Missing Persons
Joseph Cahill
November 6, 2013
Law enforcement officers, medical examiners, and coroners are now able to accumulate more data more quickly in their efforts to solve missing-person cases. Moreover, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System not only provides a wealth of helpful information to public agencies but also empowers families to help locate their
Public Health & the Congressional Budget Standoff
Chris Mangal
October 30, 2013
The federal government shutdown caused major disruptions throughout the nation. Federal employees are now back at work, but employees of U.S. public health laboratories still risk losing much more than their paychecks. Congressional budget conflicts and further public health funding reductions are likely in the near future, and those cuts
Public Health Answers for Non-Public Health Organizations
Chas Eby
October 23, 2013
Private companies and public agencies conduct business as usual most days, but emergency planners at these organizations should be acutely aware not only of the company’s vulnerabilities but also of any external threats to operations that might cause major problems. Cyber attacks, earthquakes, and/or a pandemic flu – to cite
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