Terrorism: a public health threat with a trauma system response.
BACKGROUND
The threat of mass casualties and widespread infectious disease caused by terrorism is now a challenge for our government and public health system. Funds have been granted to the states by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration to establish bioterrorism preparedness and response capabilities.


METHODS
Hartford Hospital has been designated as a Center of Excellence for Bioterrorism Preparedness by the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The Center of Excellence has implemented strategies to prepare for a possible bioterrorist attack. A unique model that combines epidemiology and traumatology is being used to guide the preparedness activities. Although the focus of the grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health is bioterrorism, the application of the model can apply to preparation for all terrorist events.


RESULTS
Implementation of strategies indicates that bioterrorism preparedness is well underway. Similar initiatives should be achievable by other trauma systems throughout the country.


CONCLUSIONS
A Center of Excellence for Bioterrorism Preparedness in Connecticut is successfully modifying a trauma system to meet the challenge of a new public health threat, terrorism.
Jacobs
Lenworth M
LM
Department of Traumatology, University of Connecticut Trauma Program at hartford Hospital, 06102-5037, USA. ljacobs@harthosp.org
Burns
Karyl J
KJ
Gross
Ronald I
RI
D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D003237:Connecticut; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000458:organization & administration; D006289:Health Planning Support / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems / Q000458:organization & administration; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D017146:Models, Organizational; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011159:Population Surveillance; D016730:Program Development; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000458:organization & administration*; D013220:State Health Planning and Development Agencies / Q000458:organization & administration*; D023481:Terrorism / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014193:Trauma Centers / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014194:Traumatology / Q000458:organization & administration; D014481:United States