|
|
|
|
|
Martin A. Kalis, MA and Miguel A. Cruz, MPH. Public Health Emergency Preparedness Branch, Division of Emergency and Environmental Health Services, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, MS F-38, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-7102, Mcruz@cdc.gov
Public health professionals need, but do not always have access to, guidance and information to assist them in rapidly establishing priorities and undertaking necessary actions during the acute phase (first 24 hours) of an emergency or disaster. In response to this need, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is developing an all-hazards public health emergency response guide that will provide general and incident-specific recommendations for preventing injury, saving lives, and mitigating adverse health effects.
In January 2004, CDC hosted a consultancy forum comprising 50 public health and emergency management professionals from across the country to assist with the development of the guide. Forum participants offered comments, suggestions, and information for potential inclusion in the guide by addressing specific questions and scenarios related to public health emergency preparedness and response. The findings of the forum clarified several key issues related to the development of the guide, including identification of primary users, determination of content, and confirmation of the need for such a resource. It is anticipated that a draft version of the guide will be distributed to health jurisdictions by late spring 2004. This presentation will highlight the key findings and outcomes of the forum.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Disasters, Community Response
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.