Preparing for the Next Public Health Emergency

Public health is not just about pandemics but also about a wide range of threats that can affect the health and well-being of communities. In this April edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal, practitioners share ways to prepare for the next public health emergency.
Woman in uniform walking with a notebook, seven other men and women sitting at computers and talking on phones

Sustaining Those Working in Disasters

Those working in emergency response roles can face periods of prolonged stress, which takes a toll on their health and well-being. It is important to know how to support them before, during, and after emergencies and disasters. By taking a hazards approach, leaders and their teams will be better equipped to navigate immense pressure without succumbing to burnout.
Unattended suitcase in the middle of a populated airport terminal

The Missing Plague Vials

A true story of missing bubonic plague vials, an airport bomb threat, and other suspicious activities again demonstrate continued national and homeland security vulnerabilities and threats. Perspectives may differ, but the concerns are real and provide an opportunity to learn and prepare.
Surgical mask, stethoscope, syringe and four specimen vials

Primary Care Investments to Increase Community Resilience

Community health centers are medical lifelines for millions of Americans. However, financial constraints and healthcare workforce challenges strain these critical resources. New initiatives and additional investments can help communities be more resilient and continue to meet community needs during a crisis.
Red lightbulb with a brain on top and a cord laying underneath

Mental Awareness to Enhance Preparedness

Emergency managers, public health officials, and first responders often stress the importance of physical fitness, but what about mental fitness? Without focused mental agility in even one of the emergency management phases, mistakes or subpar performance are likely. Learn about this author’s new acronym that can help prioritize mental health in the planning process.
A dark tunnel of question marks with a bright city skyline in the center

The “R” Word

Resilience has multiple meanings for public health, emergency, and homeland security management professionals. However, the objective of building resilience should go beyond hazard mitigation. With 2024 being FEMA’s “Year of Resilience,” it is a good time for professionals to start rethinking this concept.
Person sitting at a desk with headphones on facing a gaming computer

Dungeons and Disasters: Gamification of Public Health Responses

New technologies offer new ways to train personnel and exercise public health responses like COVID-19 and prepare response agencies for many other threats and hazards. Gamification integrates realistic scenarios in a controlled environment that can enhance community capabilities and build interagency collaboration and coordination. Learn more about this training and exercise tool.
Man with headset sitting at a desk in front of computers

Interoperability During Mass Casualty Incidents

During a mass casualty incident, response agencies must be able to communicate in real-time. This means that interoperability plans need to include everyone involved in the response. One lesson learned from past incidents is that hospitals are an often overlooked “responder.” Learn what one agency is doing to close this gap in the Washington, DC, region.
highway with automobiles under a sign that directs traffic to the Key Bridge

Week 2 – Restoring Infrastructure and Instilling Resilience

The Key Bridge collapse was not the first of its kind, and it will not be the last. However, there are measures community leaders can take to strengthen infrastructure and instill resilience. Understanding the short-term and long-term goals after such an incident would help Baltimore and other communities restore the transportation lifelines that have been severely impacted.
Translate »