The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68868

Kristine L. Rae, MSPH, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 9195418035, krae@rti.org and David L. Driscoll, PhD, MPH, Health Communications Program, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road - P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194.

The public health infrastructure of the United States is inadequately prepared to effectively recognize and respond to chemical terrorist events. In order to determine critical gaps in preparedness as well as action items for improvement, RTI International was recently contracted by the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) to implement an iterative study methodology to identify core capabilities of state public health laboratory preparedness for chemical terrorism. In order to define current roles of federal, state, and local key stakeholders, we completed a literature review which, in combination with input from substantive experts in analytical and/or environmental chemistry, informed development of an instrument to be used during several site visits to state public health laboratories. Those data were then used to design a web-based survey which was submitted to the state public health laboratories of all 50 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia, as well as a workshop to which these states would be invited. The workshop was attended by representatives of various federal stakeholders as well as the states, and sought to establish consensus recommendations for increasing laboratory preparedness. In this session, we will discuss design of and findings from each phase of the study, as well as general recommendations and action items established during the workshop.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:
• Describe, in general terms, the current state of state public health laboratory preparedness for chemical terrorism,
• Describe the use of an iterative study methodology in gathering this and similar types of information, and
• Discuss action items for increasing state public health laboratory preparedness for chemical terrorism.

Keywords: Methodology, Public Health Infrastructure

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.