An innovation in partnership among first responders and public health: bridging the gap.
To properly prepare for and respond to bioterrorism and other urgent public health threats and emergencies, response disciplines must work together in well coordinated efforts to address the preparedness needs of their communities and the nation. Traditional public health workforce and first responder roles have been challenged and new partnerships have emerged, increasing the need for innovative education and training. This article provides a review of an approach the Heartland Center for Public Health Preparedness took to foster these partnerships and increase the provision of competency-based, integrated responder education and training in the St. Louis, MO, metropolitan area.
Werner
Danilea
D
Saint Louis University, School of Public Health, Heartland Center for Public Health Preparedness, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. walkerdf@slu.edu
Wright
Kathleen
K
Thomas
Mike
M
Edgar
Mark
M
D023482:Bioterrorism; D003142:Communication; D004189:Disaster Planning / Q000379:methods*; D040381:Education, Public Health Professional / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D035846:Law Enforcement; D008923:Missouri