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 Preventiona€?s Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response.

Dr. Khan discusses the progress made in protecting Americans from health threats a€“ 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 publica€?s health; whether they are local disease outbreaks or large-scale incidents. He also mentions the challenges to sustain our progress.

When

Friday, September 2, 2011

Where

Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response

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 publica€?s health have significant potential for political, economic, and social impacts. a€?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,a€? 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.