Striving Together, Improving Healthcare-
Bioterrorism Preparedness

A Regional Strategy for Resource Allocation to Effect Bioterrorism Preparedness

Challenges

• Build public health essential services
• Supplement, not supplant, existing funding

For more information about Essential Public Health Services, see the Texas Department of Health site.

Assumption

Some essential services can be accomplished most effectively at the regional level

Examples: Readiness assessment and preparedness planning

• Education and training
• Laboratory capacity

Research Method

Comparative case studies utilized qualitative research methods of structured interviews and focus groups. Texas Public Health Region 8 (San Antonio and 21 surrounding counties) was the site of one case study. Region 2/3 (Dallas and Fort Worth and surrounding counties) was the site of another case study. Qualitative data were analyzed with assistance of Ethnograph software.

Lessons Learned

1. A regional strategy for resource allocation can be effective - Essential epidemiology services of the region were expanded
2. Dual use of essential services is critical.Dual use refers to use of essential services for routine, day-to-day use and also for use in events of bioterrorism. Example: public health immunization program for use with routine diseases such as measles and also in case of a bioterrorism event such as deliberate spread of smallpox.
3. Clear lines of authority and cooperation across those lines of authority are needed.
4. Trust is critical to build relationships for preparedness. The Public Health Officer earned the trust of the other public health staff members in his region by communicating clearly his purpose and by fulfilling his promise in allocating funds.
5. Communication is necessary to achieve bioterrorism preparedness. An alert network of people can be accomplished only with continual and clear communication among them.

This project was supported by grant number 5 U18 HSO13715 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality .