Being Proactive: Current activities of the NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program and its program awardees in preparing first responders and disaster recovery workers for avian influenza

The H5N1 Avian Influenza virus has had devastating effects on countries around the world, resulting in destruction of millions of poultry and taking scores of human lives. Experts predict that it is only a matter of time before the virus reaches the United States, and have stressed the need for our government to be proactive in preparing workers for this real threat. In light of this encroaching threat, the NIEHS Worker Education and Training Program launched a preparedness initiative designed to address training needs of first responders, disaster recovery workers, and skilled support personnel for Avian and Pandemic Influenza. This interactive presentation will describe the NIEHS WETP and WETP Awardees' activities and products developed to prepare these workers for a potential avian and/or pandemic influenza outbreak. Attendees will be invited to participate in a discussion on the issues and gaps in knowledge regarding current avian influenza preparedness guides and will gain valuable information on the curricula and preparedness guides currently offered by NIEHS WETP awardees. Professionals involved in training curricula development and implementation for workers involved in emergency response and recovery, officials involved in public preparedness, and emergency management personnel are encouraged to attend.