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Keri Pruitt, BA, Deborah Ballard-Reisch, PhD, Kristen Clements-Nolle, PhD, MPH, and Joyce Letner, MA. University of Nevada, Reno, Department of Health Ecology / 274, Reno, NV 89557-0036, 784-4041 ext. 239, jletner@unr.nevada.edu
Purpose: Since the nationwide anthrax scare of 2001, the threat of bioterrorism has created the need to strengthen public health emergency preparedness and planning efforts. Public schools are central locations for the coordination of emergency response and the dissemination of key information to families and communities. Thus, school personnel need to be well informed and prepared to address bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.
Methods: Through collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Nevada State Health Division, the University of Nevada launched an on-line survey for Nevada public school administrators and teachers with 77 questions addressing: 1) knowledge of bioterrorism and emergency planning, 2) opinions regarding educating students about bioterrorism, 3) personal reactions to terrorism. The sampling frame consists of 878 Nevada public school administrators and 19,458 teachers in 17 school districts. Data collection began in October, 2003 and will conclude in August, 2004.
Summary of Results to Date: Current results indicate that 77% of Nevada public schools had an emergency plan, but 29% of respondents were not confident in the effectiveness of their plans. Eighty-one percent had not received bioterrorism training; 70% believed that children should receive bioterrorism education, and 90% thought schools should play an important role in educating students about bioterrorism.
Conclusion: These preliminary results indicate an awareness on the part of administrators and teachers that schools will play a fundamental role in the event of a bioterrorism situation. However, to date, they have not received training to effectively address the needs of students and the community.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to
Keywords: Access to Health Care, School-Based Programs
Related Web page: www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=75198285743
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.