Public Health Archives

Fentanyl Hazards and Detection

Ashley Bradley and Kristin Omberg June 12, 2024

The deadly opioid epidemic in the United States does not stop at overdoses. It also poses life-threatening exposure to first responders who arrive on scene. Learn about the new ways scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are expanding detection strategies and technologies to keep these responders safe.

A Modern Take on an Age-Old Biological Weapon

Raphael M. Barishansky June 12, 2024

Reports about North Korea launching balloons filled with fecal matter and propaganda into South Korean territory were intriguing. However, this incident raises public health concerns and the question of whether fecal matter could be utilized in modern times as an effective biological weapon.

The Nexus Between Drug and Human Trafficking

Richard Schoeberl, Jeff Bollettieri and William (Bill) Loucks Jr. June 5, 2024

Transnational criminal organizations are using their experience in drug trafficking to utilize routes and operating procedures to take advantage of other criminal opportunities, such as human trafficking.

The Psychology of Crisis

Mary Schoenfeldt May 22, 2024

The psychological side of a disaster or other impactful event is a critical component of crisis management. However, many people still do not fully understand the predictable phases and patterns that could help them take the appropriate steps or actions to move through the crisis and mitigate its impact. Understanding

Shielding Communities: Public Health Strategies for Natural Hazards

Raphael M. Barishansky and Andrew D. Pickett May 15, 2024

Public health risks are common concerns when natural hazards occur. However, history shows that the increasing frequency of events and growing population sizes have been increasing the scale of events and the needs of affected populations. To mitigate complex public health challenges, personnel across disciplines must plan, coordinate, and develop

Sustaining Those Working in Disasters

Jolie Wills April 24, 2024

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

The Missing Plague Vials

Robert C. Hutchinson April 17, 2024

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.

Primary Care Investments to Increase Community Resilience

Angie Im April 17, 2024

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.

Mental Awareness to Enhance Preparedness

Andrew (Andy) Altizer April 17, 2024

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

The “R” Word

George Schwartz April 10, 2024

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.

Dungeons and Disasters: Gamification of Public Health Responses

Michael Etzel and Michael Prasad April 10, 2024

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

Protecting Infrastructure – Cyber, Physical, and EMP Attacks

David Winks February 21, 2024

Imagine 3,500 spiders, each with their own style, getting together to create a giant web. That’s how this author describes the U.S. power grid and the complexities related to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber, physical, and electromagnetic pulse attacks.

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