Disaster preparedness and response is an area that began with local health departments in 2001, when the United States Government recognized the importance of preparedness of our public health. In a bioterrorism emergency, a broad public health response involving state, local, and federal public health agencies may be required. Public health activities that may be required include the following:
• Dispense medications/immunizations to the public through mass dispensing clinics
• Deploy the Strategic National Stockpile through the Department of Homeland Security
• Conduct field investigations and monitoring of populations exposed
• Conduct surveillance and epidemiological studies
• Establish a disease registry and monitor long-term impacts
• Medical interventions and recommendations
• Establish disease control and prevention measures
• Establish protective action guidelines
• Evaluate health and medical impact on the public and emergency and medical personnel
• Communicate with the public, policy makers, and the media regarding status of public health emergency and necessary public actions to protect public health and safety