Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113134

Neda Moayad, MA, DrPH¹, Kristine Lykens, PhD², and Christine Sammer, RN¹. (1) School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth, TX 76107, 8173124790, nmoayad@aol.com, (2) Department of Health Management and Policy, Univ of N. Texas - School of Public Health at Fort Worth, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107-2699

ABSTRACT

There has been an ongoing debate over bioterrorism preparedness in the US, however in the post 9/11 era this debate has gained a poignant momentum. Federal statistics according to a Washington Post Article (Nov 11, 2004) show that only three states are close to being ready for rapid distribution of vaccines and antidotes, from the national stockpile. Additionally state and local official say they are under funded and their agencies which are mostly focused on planning for underserved populations, have not received proper and adequate guidelines on how to devise and implement a bioterrorism master plan. The issues addressed and identified in this study along with some proposed solutions can make an important contribution in development of strategies to upgrade and improve bioterrorism preparedness, in rural areas.

Objectives. This study assesses the public health preparedness and response capacity for the 39 out of 49, mostly rural, North Texas counties without public health departments.

Methods. In-person meetings were conducted using an instrument adapted from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Preparedness and Response Capacity Local Inventory.

Results. County needs include: written policies and procedures, preparedness coordination among counties, and options to further the development of the Texas public health system. Training at the local level and access to the Texas Health Alert Network are needed. Health professional resources and county health officers are scarce.

Conclusion. Rural North Texas counties without public health departments need direction from TDH for policies and procedures and support for health resource needs.

Learning Objectives:

• The participants will be able to identify specific areas lacking public health preparedness. Participants will be able to discuss current level of public health and bioterrorism preparedness, and develop a better understanding of the task ahead.

Keywords: Bioterrorism, Public Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.