CDC Lancet article discusses public health preparedness progress and challenges

WHAT

The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks is the focus of a special issue of the British medical journal Lancet. The issue features an article by Ali S. Khan, MD, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response.

Dr. Khan discusses the progress made in protecting Americans from health threats – from the everyday variety to larger-scale or unexpected incidents. He indicates the US is better prepared to detect, prevent, or respond to all types of threats to the public’s health; whether they are local disease outbreaks or large-scale incidents. He also mentions the challenges to sustain our progress.

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WHO

Melinda Wharton, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Director, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, CDC

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When

Friday, September 2, 2011

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WHERE

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Tom Harkin Global Communications Center (Building 19)
For directions to CDC, please visit www.cdc.gov/about/resources/visitGuide.htm#direction.

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Where

Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response

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Note: The MMWR is embargoed until Thursday, August 18, 12 p.m. ET.

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Background

State and local health departments around the country are beset by challenges that range from an evolving list of health threats to the continuing economic crisis that could impact the ability to protect the health of communities. The threats to the public’s health have significant potential for political, economic, and social impacts. “We need to work together to ensure our national health security so we are prepared for the next big incident, whether it is a natural disaster, an improvised nuclear device, or another pandemic,” Dr. Khan said.

CDC supports public health preparedness across the nation for all types of hazards, including biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear incidents, whether caused by natural, accidental or intentional means. For more information, visit the website of the CDC Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response.

Read the original news at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)