Recorded presentation

Kristine L. Rae, MSPH, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 9195418035, krae@rti.org and David L. Driscoll, PhD, MPH, Health Communications Program, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road - P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194.

Our public health system's preparedness to recognize and respond to nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) terrorism as well as to public health emergencies in general is critical to the nation's health and security. State and local public health departments around the nation are struggling to keep up with everyday demands, however events occurring over the past three years have illustrated that our current infrastructure is particularly inadequate in the event of a public health emergency. The task of developing preparedness is daunting and expensive, however when weighed against the potential costs of NBC terrorism and other public health emergencies, it becomes clear that we must find a way to fund public health capability and capacity-building at all levels: federal, state, and local. Allocating already-limited funds solely for such low-probability events seems misguided; the solution is to strengthen the nation's public health infrastructure as a whole and to identify, fund, and take advantage of dual-use opportunities. In this way, funding goes toward building public health infrastructure while still responding to our increasing need for emergency response capabilities. This presentation will describe specific ways in which funding can be implemented for dual use purposes, based on preparedness research conducted by the authors as well as the general literature.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Discuss the appropriateness of dual use funds in preparing for public health emergencies.
• Identify ways in which dual use funds can be used to build general public health infrastructure at all levels (federal, state, and local).
• List the areas in most critical need of both general infrastructure and emergency preparedness development.

Keywords: Disasters, Bioterrorism

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.

Recorded presentation