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R. William Johnstone uses the 2001 anthrax attacks as his point of departure for an analysis of the past, present, and future of America`s preparedness to deal with major challenges to public health, including bioterrorism and pandemic flu. He identifies the strength and weakness of the system, while making recommendations for improvements that will allow the U.S. to be better prepared if faced with a larger or different biological threat.
Bioterror brings together the best available evidence from a variety of sources on the status of the public health security system at three distinct points: before 2001; during and immediately after the anthrax attacks; and from 2004 to the present.
Johnstone looks for linkages, not only between bioterrorism and pandemic defenses, but also between public health security and the wider field of homeland security. He highlights some key ``foundation`` plans and strategies that are to serve as a basis for public health security. Failure to address these crucial issues, he argues, not only creates unfounded mandates, but inhibits priority setting, leadership, and accountability.
Utilizing a large number of sources from within both the public health and public policy communities, the book documents how each sector responded to the anthrax attacks and re-emergent infectious diseases, and how those responses have evolved to the present day, As with other areas of homeland security, sustained progress in public health security is not likely until basic questions about funding priorities and leadership are successfully addresses. In the response to the only mass casualty event in the United States since 2001, Hurricane Katrina, and in various emergency simulation exercises such as TOPOFF series, major performance deficiencies have been observed.``R. WILLIAM JOHNSTONE served on the staff of the 9/11 Commission, after working for over 20 years as a Congressional staff member. He is the author of 9/11 and the Future of Transportation Security. Johnstone is a consultant on homeland and national security matters. ``Illustrations
Preface
1. The Anthrax Attacks of September/October 2001
2. Threats and Risks
3. The Pre-9/01 Public Health System
4. Response to the Anthrax Attacks: Criminal Investigation
5. The Public Health Response to the Anthrax Attacks
6. Public Policy Response to Bioterrorism, SARS & Avian Flu
7. Current Status of Public Health Security
8. Conclusion
Notes
Index.
ISBN 9780275993269
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