Category: response

Outbreak Investigation: Meningitis

CDC scientist looks through microscope at fungus displayed on screen

One Case Sparks National Action Imagine… A patient goes to the doctor for a routine steroid injection.   A couple weeks later, the patient feels sick – headache, fever and suddenly uncomfortable in bright light.  Within days, the patient is admitted to the local hospital’s intensive care unit.  Doctors discover that the patient has a life-threatening Read More >

Posted on by Blog Administrator5 CommentsTags , , , , , ,

National Preparedness Month: A Spotlight on Children

  by Robert W. Block, MD, FAAP, President, American Academy of Pediatrics @DrBobBlock on Twitter Children are not just small adults; their growing minds and bodies have unique physical, physiological, developmental and mental health needs. These differences become especially apparent—and warrant increased attention and care—before, during and after a disaster strikes. Read More >

Posted on by Blog AdministratorLeave a commentTags , , , ,

Disease Detection: Laboratories on the front lines

Microsopic view of anthrax spores

You can’t respond to threats if you don’t know what they are, which is one reason that laboratories play such an important role in public health. Public health laboratories have helped detect all kinds of threats to the public’s health; including anthrax, monkey pox, novel flu viruses, and foodborne disease outbreaks caused by germs like Read More >

Posted on by Ali S. Khan8 CommentsTags , , , , , , ,

Volunteering Throughout the Disaster Cycle: Insights from the Medical Reserve Corps

MRC volunteers reviewing supply lists

Volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps One of the strongest threads woven into the fabric of American culture is that of volunteer service. When someone is in need, we ask what can be done to help. This is never more evident than during a time of disaster. As we recognize September as National Preparedness Month, Read More >

Posted on by Blog Administrator2 CommentsTags , , , , , ,

Startling Facts You Should Know About Disaster Preparedness

emergency kit and checklist

By Regina Quadir A recent national poll by Adelphi University Center for Health Innovation  surveyed 1,000 Americans about their personal preparedness behaviors and the results show that we’re not ready: Read More >

Posted on by Blog Administrator5 CommentsTags , , , , ,

Disaster Recovery – An Emotional Response

woman and man looking out over flooded houses and road

The effects of a disaster are not always physical. Houses and roads can be rebuilt and physical wounds will heal, but the emotional scars from a disaster can often be harder to fix. In 2008 Cedar Rapids, Iowa experienced extreme flooding that wiped out businesses and homes, disrupting daily life and displacing residents. While other Read More >

Posted on by Blog Administrator5 CommentsTags , , , , ,