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Linda Y. Wilson, MPH1, Joshua Michaud, MHS2, Michael Mair, MPH3, Daniel Barnett, MD MPH1, and Ruth A. Vogel, RN CPH1. (1) Commissioner's Office, Baltimore City Health Department, 210 Guilford Avenue, 3rd Floor, Baltimore, MD 210202, 410-396-4436, linda.wilson@baltimorecity.gov, (2) School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 2024 E Monument St, Baltimore, MD 21287, (3) Center for Biosecurity, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 111 Market Place, Suite 830, Baltimore, MD 21202
Throughout the US, cities are faced with the critical task of creating cross-jurisdictional response plans for a potential bioterrorist strike. Since an attack would necessitate collaboration between city agencies including local health departments and law enforcement, this threat has provided an unprecedented opportunity to establish integrated approaches and improve collaborative planning for any event that required joint investigations.
Modeled after the CDC Forensic Epidemiology Seminar, the Baltimore City Health Department developed a collaborative exercise to train a joint investigative staff of police detectives and epidemiologists. The objectives of the training were to: 1) establish new partnerships between health department and law enforcement investigators; 2) evaluate and address concerns with interagency communication; and 3) review respective agency investigative policies and procedures.
The tabletop utilized a biological terrorism scenario and participants were asked to collaboratively implement decision-making processes, share and discuss information and intelligence, and formulate conclusions. Outcomes included identifying areas for integration such as forming interagency teams during interviews, sharing resources and support staff, and utilizing similar contact tracing guidelines.
Evaluation demonstrated clear areas of improvement and opportunity related to communication and resource sharing, as well as an enhanced understanding of participants’ roles and responsibilities; consequently the development of a new and essential partnership.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Bioterrorism, Training
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.