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HHS Plan to Combat Bioterrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies
Title: HHS Plan to Combat Bioterrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies
Date: Summer 2005
Institution: Department of Health and Human Services
Bibliographic Entry: HHS Bioterrorism Council. (Summer 2005) "HHS Plan to Combat Bioterrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies." United States Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/hhsplncombat.html (accessed February 21, 2007).
Electronic Link: http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/hhsplncombat.html
Key Words: bioterrorism, public health emergencies, public health, healthcare
Summary of Key Issues, Points, Conclusions:
The “HHS Plan to Combat Bioterrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies” recognizes the national public health threat posed by bioterrorism, natural epidemics, terrorist attacks, and industrial accidents. This document outlines an all hazards plan that focuses on five strategic foci: preventing bioterrorism, improving state and local preparedness, improving HHS preparedness, acquiring information about threats, and deploying bio-defense countermeasures.
The plan outlines its goals for each of the foci. The goals include safe handling and research of possible bioterrorism agents, public health and healthcare infrastructure, effective response to all public health threats and emergencies, developing knowledge about potential terrorism agents and countermeasures, and the development of new countermeasures. The plan identifies activities and HHS subordinate agencies to meet its goals. The CDC and NIH play key roles in preventing terrorism and ensuring safe laboratories for research. The FDA is the lead agency for securing food and medical products. OPHEP is the lead agency in the promotion of bio-security in life science research.
The plan emphasizes the expansion of healthcare infrastructure focused on surge capacity, response to mental health, and the promotion of professional training for healthcare professionals. This also includes the preparedness for chemical and radio nuclear-threats. The plan calls for the expansion of research relevant to potential terrorist agents as well as their countermeasures. This includes the expansion of Bio-Safety Level 3 and 4 facilities. The plan addresses the need for approving, licensing, and stockpiling of medical countermeasures.
Name of Researcher: Aaron Martin
Institution: Texas A&M University
Date: February 21, 2007
Date Posted: July 17, 2007