Bioterrorism

NALBOH Preparedness Pages

Sign up to receive email NEWSALERTS from NALBOH!

A great way for Board of Health members to stay informed

on issues important to them.

_______________________________________________

The early detection and response to a natural or man-made disaster, including a bioterrorist event, is crucial for the protection of the public's health. During a disaster, and especially during a bioterrorism event, the local public health agency has the critical role of disseminating information to health care facilities, emergency response agencies, and the public.

It is necessary for every board of health throughout the country to have an all-hazards preparedness plan available in a time of crisis to successfully protect the public’s health within their jurisdiction. This plan must be routinely practiced and updated so it can be immediately implemented by trained health officials in the time of a disaster. NALBOH is available to assist local board of health members in developing a plan of action for the welfare and protection of communities across the nation.

Back to top

Did You Know...

Commission report gives failing grade to bioterrorism preparedness.
The Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation scored aspects of threat readiness, and gave a grade of "F" to the nation’s capabilities for rapid response to prevent biological attacks from inflicting mass casualties. The report card evaluates steps taken to implement recommendations from a 2008 commission report and to protect the United States from the threats of WMD proliferation and terrorism. Access the report card and report.

President Obama released the national strategy for countering biological attacks
This strategy emphasized the need to improve global access to life sciences to combat infectious disease, establish and reinforce norms against the misuse of life sciences, and institute a suite of coordinated activities that will influence, identify, inhibit and/or interdict those who misuse life sciences.
Read the press release or download the full strategy.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Hospital Surge Model estimates the hospital resources needed to treat casualties arising from biological (anthrax, smallpox, pandemic flu), chemical (chlorine, sulfur mustard, sarin), nuclear (1 KT or 10 KT explosion), or radiological (dispersion device or point source) attacks. View this important resource!

Back to top

In the News

NEW! Multnomah County (OR) developed Food Defense Toolkits to distribute to area restaurants.

Reports shows that physicians are not confident they can recognize the signs of infection from anthrax and other bioterrorism threats.

Bipartisan Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction report criticizes White House bioterrorism efforts.

Laguna Pueblo hosts agricultural terrorism preparedness training for pueblo farmers

Back to top

For questions or more information about NALBOH's environmental health programs, please contact Carrie Hribar.

Page updated 6/15/2010.