Emerging threats such as West Nile virus, pandemic influenza, and bioterrorism place local public health practitioners squarely in the center of preparedness planning. Although these threats may divert resources from other pressing daily public health concerns, they present unique infrastructure-building opportunities. We report on two-years of activity emphasizing regional bioterrorism preparedness planning but more broadly directed toward increasing local public health capacity. We present a four-part collaborative model for public health preparedness that: (1) fosters a broadly defined local public health system by engaging non-traditional collaborators; (2) defines public health roles and responsibilities and highlights complementary functions among collaborators; (3) reorients response agency planning from incident-based (individuals) to incidence-based (populations); (4) embeds the planning process in a larger systems development initiative including surveillance, training, and technology in support of public health decision making. More than 30 local, state and federal agencies continue to contribute to develop, test and refine response functions. Maintenance of the planning process has expanded the local public health system and extended the application of prevention and health promotion efforts. Results to date suggest strategies for creating immediate public health benefits within a framework of preparation for rare events. Establishing such a process is a replicable and sustainable part of creating a stronger local public health system.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: (1) Describe four elements likely to facilitate a successful local public health preparedness planning process (2) Identify federal, state and local organizations whose participation increases the likelihood of successful and sustained preparedness efforts (3) Evaluate the differences between public health and traditional response agency approaches to preparedness planning and response activities
Keywords: Bioterrorism, Public Health Infrastructure
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: DeKalb County Board of Health, Center for Public Health Preparedness
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: (1) Contract # 282990015 (DHHS Office of Emergency Preparedness)
(2) Cooperative Agreement # U90/CCU417691 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)