The early and well-publicized House approval of homeland-security "implementing" legislation is an encouraging sign that the new Democratic majority has its priorities right. Many political and financial obstacles must still be overcome, though.
Pandemic preparedness activities, the department's Katrina/Rita response efforts, the need for an "all-hazards" planning and operational mindset, and the planning assistance now available to local health planners are among the numerous topics covered.
His views on the need for improved rapid-response capabilities, the important roles played by "sentinel" and "reference" labs, and the technological breakthroughs projected in the APHL's Strategic Plan.
An overview of NACCHO's work in bioterrorism, the plans being developed for a pandemic flu outbreak, and the need for communications upgrades across the board.
Her views on the need to expand hospital surge capacity, improve U.S. health care preparedness in general, and carry out additional emergency exercises and drills in all health disciplines.
Preparedness to protect and respond against natural and man-made disasters still remains paramount. How will first responders, public health and borders/ports fare under new Congressional leadership? Will there be outreach or gridlock?
Kurilla's views on the Institute's biodefense research initiatives, current and potential bioterror threats, vaccine development, and treatments for radiological and nuclear exposure.
The race is not always to the swiftest, but in the field of WMD weapons it usually is on the side of nations willing to invest their time and talents to detect, deter, and eventually defeat WMD attacks launched by other nations.
Last week's Mid-Atlantic All Hazards Forum in Baltimore was a major and productive event. It also was the likely harbinger of numerous similar conferences, involving all preparedness communities, in many other areas of the country.
