The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64383

Leonard J. Marcus, PhD, Harvard School of Public Health, Division of Public Health Practice, Harvard University, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, 617-496-0865, ljmarcus@hsph.harvard.edu

Public health and related systems in this country face an unprecedented challenge in aligning themselves to effectively protect the population against bioterrorism and other weapons of mass destruction. This presentation briefly introduces a conceptual framework, point of reference, and methods and techniques that can be useful in developing the needed alignment. This process - conceived in response to the complex problems and conflicts inherent to preparedness and disaster management - is termed “connectivity.” Connectivity is defined here as a seamless web of people, organizations, resources, and information that can best catch, contain, and control a bioterrrorist (or other) incident. A high level of connectivity is one in which these elements are deliberately and closely linked and integrated. A low level of connectivity is a haphazard collection of individual components that may or may not be able to work together during an emergency. Connectivity requires interdependent agencies and organizations to explicitly map and coordinate specific points of linkage during the preparedness phase to ensure that they will smoothly operate during an event and post-event phase. Achieving connectivity in the course of preparedness is the best predictor of its presence and practice during an actual emergency. The process of achieving connectivity incorporates models and methods of conflict resolution, which are briefly discussed in the presentation. This notion of connectivity is in part informed by two visits to investigate health system preparedness efforts in Israel. Those observations are included in the presentation. This session is part conceptual, part factual, and part instructional.

Learning Objectives:

After this session, participants will be able to:
• Describe the conceptual and applied uses of connectivity as it pertains to public health preparedness.
• Teach others about connectivity and its importance to public health preparedness.
• Identify circumstances in which connectivity is found and in which it is not found among those involved in preparedenss activities.
• Resolve at a beginning level conflicts that serve as an obstacle to preparedness.
• Develop and plan activities and exercises that serve to enhance connectivity among people working together in preparedness activities.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Leadership

Related Web page: www.hsph.harvard.edu/php/PHCNCR/phcncr.html

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Harvard School of Public Health Center for Public Health Preparedness
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.