Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #110835

Darren Collins, Center for Public Health Preparedness, DeKalb County Board of Health, 445 Winn Way, Decatur, GA 30031, 404-508-7997, dfcollins@gdph.state.ga.us and Ariane Reeves, Center for Public Health Preparedness, DeKalb County Board of Health, 445 Winn Way, Decatur, GA 30031.

The Center for Public Health Preparedness at the DeKalb County (Georgia) Board of Health, has a history of partnership development with members of the community. Our relationship with the Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH) of Emory University, dates back to 2000, when we identified and hired graduate student interns to work with us on a number of preparedness projects. This relationship has been very productive, leading to the development of a number of programs, including the Student Outreach and Response Team (SORT). The need to develop this program began in the months following the 2001 anthrax cases and the accompanying rise in suspicious package incidents. Over the last two years, the program's scope and purpose have changed dramatically. These changes reflect the shifting priorities, resources, and challenges faced by public health professionals, along with the lessons we have learned. The SORT program now has a clearly defined mission: “To promote future public health leadership by providing students with hands-on experiences that contribute to improved community health.” The SORT program continues to attract interest and receive positive feedback from RSPH students. Interest has increased over the past two years and is expected to continue to rise. This project can serve as a model for other communities as they work collaboratively to advance public health practice. Help us create a legacy of future public health leaders who understand public health practice at the local level.

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