The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #52098

Barry S. Levy, MD, MPH, Adjunct Professor, Tufts Universoty School of Medicine, P. O. Box 1230, Sherborn, MA 01770, 508-650-1039, blevy@igc.org and Victor W. Sidel, MD, Distinguished University Professor of Social Medicine, Albert Einstein Medical College and Montefiore Medical Center, 111 East 210th Street, New York, NY 10467.

Terrorism can be defined as politically motivated violence or the threat of violence, especially against civilians, with the intent to instill fear, whether perpetrated by nation-states or by non-state groups or individuals. Challenges include improving public health and medical care system capabilities to respond to health needs whether they are consequences of terrorist acts or not, controlling weapons, addressing factors that may lead to war or terrorism, and promoting a balance between response to terrorism and to other public health concerns. Public health workers can play important roles in addressing these challenges and in opposing politically-motivated efforts that restrict civil liberties and divert needed resources.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to

• Define terrorism and understand the limitations of this definition;
• Describe the roles of public health workers with regard to terrorism;
• Identify the potential pitfalls for public health in addressing terrorism.

Keywords: Disasters, War

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.