New Book on Bioterrorism, Emergency Preparedness Offers Lessons Learned and Ongoing Strategies

10/22/2002

From: Elaine R. Rubin of Association of Academic Health Centers, 202-265-9600

WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 -- Emergency preparedness is still high on the agenda for the nation, private organizations, and public agencies. September 11 forced a reappraisal of domestic and foreign policies and encouraged healthcare institutions to reassess their preparedness for a number of possible events ranging from natural disasters to biological or nuclear attacks.

Emergency Preparedness: Bioterrorism and Beyond, a new book by the Association of Academic Health Centers, addresses current concerns and aids in long-term efforts to understand and prepare for such dangers. This crucial work is one of the first to bring together leading medical and public health experts, government officials, and international policy experts. The book offers lessons learned from past emergencies, including Sept. 11 and outbreaks of infectious disease, describes present threats, and provides a long-term perspective towards preparing for the future. These perspectives are applied to the public health infrastructure, pharmaceutical stockpiling, foreign policy, media relations, mental health, and the challenges for higher education.

The book was funded by a grant from The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

"Emergency Preparedness: Bioterrorism and Beyond," eds. Elaine R. Rubin, PhD, Marian Osterweis, PhD, and Lisa Lindeman, is available for purchase at the AHC website (www.ahcnet.org) or by calling 202-265-9600.

The Association of Academic Health Centers is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of the people by advancing the leadership of academic health centers in health professions education, biomedical and health services research, and health care delivery.