Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health in the Age of Bioterrorism

Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health in the Age of Bioterrorism

This report gives an update on US State and federal preparedness in case of a biological event.

2012

Recent areas of concern are outdated congressional authority with the stalling of the PAHPA, state/federal budget cuts to public health spending, and job and program cuts in local health departments which impact emergency preparedness most. Another area of concern is the overprescription of antibiotics and the looming threat of drug resistant strains. Ongoing issues are a lack of surge capacity in hospitals and subpar biosurveillance/communications systems.