Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism
Trust for America’s Health has tracked public health emergency preparedness in the United States since 2003 and documented the nation’s level of preparedness as well as those areas still in need of improvement. This 2019 report finds that states have made progress in key areas, including public health funding and participation in provider compacts and coalitions, with a majority of states making preparations to expand capabilities in an emergency, often through collaboration.
Emergencies start at the local level and many of the events our providers have experienced in the last couple of years needed to have coordination with local and state officials. The report examines the country’s level of public health emergency preparedness on a state-by-state basis using 10 priority indicators. It also outlines major public health incidents, actions, research findings, meetings, and federal hearings across three domains: disease outbreaks; severe weather and natural disasters; and biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear terrorism. (Link) Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health policy, research, and advocacy organization that promotes optimal health for every person and community and makes the prevention of illness and injury a national priority.