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Update : Addressing public concern about response to public health emergencies
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10/02/2001
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Series: HAN ; 023
[PDF-1.30 MB]
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Alternative Title:Addressing public concern about response to public health emergencies
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Description:Tuesday, October 02, 2001, 16:58 EDT (4:58 PM EDT)
CDCHAN-00023-2001-10-02-UPD-N
Dear Colleague: The response to the September 11 tragedy by health departments in New York City and Washington, D.C., and the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland has been extraordinarily reassuring. In public health, we all act to be prepared for a range of disasters and emergencies and have done so admirably over many decades. However, September 11 has caused us to look at preparedness in a new way, including preparedness for bioterrorism.
The response to the September 11 tragedy by health departments in New York City and Washington, D.C., and the states of New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Maryland has been extraordinarily reassuring. In public health, we all act to be prepared for a range of disasters and emergencies and have done so admirably over many decades. However, September 11 has caused us to look at preparedness in a new way, including preparedness for bioterrorism.
The investigative skills, diagnostic techniques, and physical resources required to detect and diagnose a disease outbreak are the same ones required to identify and respond to a silent bioterrorist attack. A key component of our success will continue to be the sharing of information among all components of the public health system so we can make an early diagnosis and respond as quickly as possible.
The Federal Response Plan, including the Emergency Support Function #8 which engages the Department of Health and Human Services, was activated September 11. CDC is working closely with other federal agencies and involved state and local partners in providing public health assistance where needed. CDC is fully aware of the demands each of your health departments are experiencing as the public looks for health guidance and reassurance.
In particular, we know your health departments and the health professionals in your communities are receiving questions from the public about smallpox vaccine, antibiotics to prevent anthrax, and measures to take to prepare for emergencies. Here are some of the issues we are hearing from the public and how we are addressing their concerns [smallpox, anthrax, preparedness].
With the heightened awareness to potential terrorist attacks in the wake of September 11, the work we've accomplished during the last three years to prepare for a bioterrorism or chemical emergency is being put to the test. We will continue to move forward with our efforts to build a more robust public health infrastructure at the local and state levels. Thank you for your input and support as we continue, together, to respond to the needs of our nation.
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