Preparing for a Bio-Katrina
In an interview with Federal News Radio in March, Tara O’Toole, MD, MPH, was asked what she would tell President Obama if she had the chance. Her reply: "There is a possibility, a real possibility, that there could be the equivalent of a bio-Katrina on his watch."
Later, the Obama Administration nominated Dr. O'Toole to serve as under secretary for science and technology at the Department of Homeland Security.
ADVANCE is working on a story about the possibility of a so-called "Bio-Katrina" and wants your input. Has your facility updated its pandemic preparedness plans (in light of recent events like the H1N1 or "swine flu" outbreak)? Does your facility have in place a solid bioterrorism plan? Does your city conduct mock drills for a bioterror outbreak? Are you or is someone you know involved in the strategic planning for your hospital's bioterrorism outbreak disaster planning?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, we'd like your input.
E-mail mpatton@advanceweb.com to be included in our September cover story on bioterrorism.