Author(s)

A. Heffron Casserleigh & J. Broder

Abstract

The cycle of bio-preparedness is formulaic based on threat assessments, public impact, and resources. Since 2007 the resource allocation for bio-preparedness in the United States has been reduced and has shifted focus based on a changing perception of threat and public vulnerability. These resource reductions have mandated a retraction of government involvement in care and distribution of goods in a bio event. Bio preparedness programs now focus almost exclusively on micro community education including self-care and provisioning during an event. The United States resource commitment to bio-preparedness planning was extensive after the 2001 Anthrax attacks, which, seen in the light of the 9/11 attacks, created a perception of biological vulnerability. This increased perception of threat and possible public impact led to a commitment of vast resources totaling several trillion US dollars between 2001 and 2006. These resources went primarily to preparedness and monitoring activities, which included a series of biological event exercises named \“Bioshield” that revealed some startling shortfalls. This paper will examine the after action reports of three state wide Bioshield exercises; both the outcomes and their recommendations for bio planning improvements. These results will be compared to the implementation events that took place as a result of the 2009 H1N1 \“Swine Flu” response, and the subsequent recommendations and refining of bio-preparedness planning. This paper will also include current bio-planning efforts which implement the exercise and post Swine Flu event recommendations of micro-community selfreliance. The intended definition of a micro community for purposes of paper is

Keywords

bio-preparedness, Bioshield exercise, micro-community readiness, public health, health policy, Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), vendor managed inventory (VMI)