APHL Position Statement: Field Testing Kits, Devices Must Be Validated
Chris Mangal
April 25, 2007
The Association of Public Health Laboratories says, without proper validation, field tests of
suspected biological and/or chemical agents might yield either false positives or, worse, false
negatives & therefore would be, “dangerously misleading.”
Anthrax Field Testing: Pros & Cons
Martin D. Masiuk
April 25, 2007
Two closely related but diametrically opposed “point/counterpoint” articles: focusing on anthrax detection technology.
Question - Is Anthrax Present, Too Long to Wait for an Answer
Kate Rosenblatt
April 25, 2007
Homeland-security experts believe the worst-case scenario for future terrorist attacks will involve
biological-warfare agents such as anthrax rather than nuclear weapons. Which is why the numerous delays
in the anti-anthrax program have aroused concern.
The Rationale for a Pessimistic Preparedness Planning Scenario
Michael Allswede
April 18, 2007
For most U.S. hospitals, planning for a mass-casualty disaster is an administrative afterthought. The result, frequently, is a counterproductive “game plan” based on rosy optimism and unproven assumptions.
George C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, Executive Director, American Public Health Association (APHA)
John F. Morton
April 18, 2007
The APHA leader’s authoritative views on bioterrorism preparedness, the new challenges facing
public-health officials in planning to cope with mass-casualty situations, the quarantine and isolation
processes, & the threat posed by a pandemic influenza.
Real Resources and Real Reforms: A Report from the Committee Chairman
Bennie G. Thompson
April 18, 2007
The chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security promises fast and effective action – and
the provision of “real resources” – to improve U.S. domestic preparedness across the board, to protect
American lives & the nation’s critical infrastructure.
Captain Michael B. Anderson, MMRS National Program Manager
John F. Morton
April 11, 2007
DomesticPreparedness met with Captain Michael B. Anderson, National Program Manager, Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS). In this wide-ranging invterview, Captain Anderson discusses mass-casualty preparedness, highlighting the current emphasis on regional
The Either/Or Dilemma: Hard Choices Ahead in Materials Management
Joseph Cahill
April 4, 2007
Preparing for an emergency is like packing for a long trip: Focus on the essentials first, and always consider the possibility of a worst-case scenario. Unfortunately, some communities and hospitals are making cost reductions their highest priority.
Richard Mirgon, Second Vice President, Association of Public-Safety Communications Officals (APCO)
John F. Morton and Richard Mirgon
April 4, 2007
His views on the enhanced capabilities made possible by the National Joint TERT Initiative and a
host of related issues, including FEMA report requirements, the financial aspects of mutual-aid
agreements, and the NCR’s new wireless broadband network.
