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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Jan K. Carney, MD, MPH, John Howland Jr., MA, and Nancy Erickson. Vermont Department of Health, 108 Cherry Street, PO Box 70, Burlington, VT 05402, 802 863-7280, jcarney@vdh.state.vt.us
During the Fall of 2001, anthrax was constantly in the news, yet much of the public health information presented was inconsistent. We describe a communication strategy employing the internet to focus statewide public education efforts and counter erroneous information. Using the department website, the Vermont Department of Health posted statements addressing topics such as antibiotic use and testing technology. When we began investigating potential anthrax events, we promptly posted test results and daily updates for the public and news media. This process became critically important as the numbers of these investigations increased. One episode involved recommended prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin for a group of more than 60 travelers, many of whom had concerned families and associates in other states who used the website to follow the progress of our investigation. The website also facilitated our response to local, regional, and national media inquiries. Web technology is a valuable adjunct to other efforts to provide clear, consistent, and accurate information to the public and the media, and is especially valuable in times of emergency and heightened public concern. Accurate public information is an essential component of public health agencies’ bioterrorism preparedness and response.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Bioterrorism, Internet
Related Web page: www.state.vt.us/health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.