What are Local Health Departments Doing to Prepare for Bioterrorism?
Most of California’s counties have made substantial progress preparing for a potential bioterrorism event. Local health departments have: • Established a network of emergency response professionals who have developed plans, policies and procedures for responding to bioterrorism emergencies • Upgraded laboratories, including purchasing equipment, hiring and training staff regarding new laboratory techniques for identifying bioterrorism agents, and instituted security provisions • Increased capacity to collect and analyze surveillance data in order to identify any increases in the incidents of communicable diseases. Prior to 9/11, only a few large counties had this capacity • Added resources and conducted training in public health emergency communication, including working with the media, community groups and the public during an event. Prior to 9/11, only a few large counties had this capacity • Acquired local expertise to work within the state’s “Standardized Emergency Management Syste
