“The anthrax attacks of 2001 and more recent national reports have raised concerns the United States is vulnerable to attacks with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) agents. Because of the potential consequences of such attacks, members of Congress have expressed the need for the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate in assessing risks posed by CBRN agents. GAO was asked to examine how DHS and HHS coordinate on the development of CBRN risk assessments and the extent to which they have institutionalized such efforts. GAO examined relevant laws, presidential directives, collaboration best practices, and internal control standards; analyzed DHS and HHS CBRN risk assessments; and interviewed DHS and HHS officials.”
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National Preparedness: DHS and HHS Can Further Strengthen Coordination for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Risk Assessments
- July 5, 2011
- | Filed under North America, Featured, Report, and 2001-2025
National Research and Development Strategy for Microbial Forensics
The purpose of the National Strategy to Support Microbial Forensic Research is to guide and focus the research efforts of the US Government to advance the discipline of microbial forensics and provide the nation with the most scientifically sound and statistically defensible capability to provide scientific data to support attribution investigations of a potential or actual biological attack. This Strategy shall form the framework of an interagency implementation plan that will begin to address research and interagency communications issues that are required for an enduring national capability in microbial forensics.
- December 13, 2010
- | Filed under North America, Report, and 2001-2025
National Strategic Plan for Public Health Preparedness and Response
Led by Dr. Ali S. Khan and the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, preparedness leaders internal and external to CDC have collaboratively developed The National Strategic Plan for Public Health Preparedness and Response. The plan is a guide for CDC, the entire public health system, and its stakeholders to secure the health of the nation and attain the plan’s collective 2020 vision of “people’s health protected – public health secured”.
- December 19, 2011
- | Filed under North America, Report, and 2001-2025
National Strategy for Countering Biological Threats
This Strategy outlines the President Obama’s vision for addressing the challenges from proliferation of biological weapons or their use by terrorists. It highlights the beneficial nature of advances in the life sciences and their importance in combating infectious diseases of natural, accidental, and deliberate origin. It also outlines how the risks associated with misuse and potential consequences of a biological attack require tailored actions to prevent biological threats.
- July 5, 2011
- | Filed under North America, Report, and 2001-2025
National Strategy for Countering Biological Threats 2009
This National Strategy for Countering Biological Threats articulates our vision for managing these evolving and complex risks. It is a vision of shared commitment wherein the United States Government works with domestic and international partners to advance the health security of all people. It recognizes that the pace and progress of the life sciences require tailored approaches to mitigate the potential for misuse with minimal impacts upon beneficial use. Finally, it establishes a series of mutually reinforcing activities to address specific threats as they arise.
We will continue to face new and emerging biological threats that will require the coordinated andconcertedeffortsofabroadrangeofdomesticandinternationalpartners. Aswetakeaction to counter these threats, we will work together to advance our own health security and provide for the improved condition of all humanity.
- March 13, 2013
- | Filed under North America, Featured, Report, and 2001-2025
