May 18, 2005
Health Officials to Test Readiness for Bioterrorist Attack
By Valentine D. Sworts
When you think of emergency responders, the public health department may not spring immediately to mind. But it should.
As a result of the anthrax attacks and SARS outbreaks of the past few years, public health has moved to the forefront when it comes to emergency preparedness and response. In fact, the September 2001 anthrax attacks marked the first time that law enforcement agencies and public health departments worked together to protect the health and safety of all Americans.
In Montana, too, public health departments are teaming up with some previously unlikely partners. In June, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will collaborate with the state Disaster and Emergency Services (DES) to stage a week-long disaster exercise in Helena.
The exercise is called Operation Last Chance One, and it will begin June 20. Its purpose is two-fold: It will test the capability of public health officials to respond to the intentional release of a potentially deadly disease (this part of the exercise has been dubbed Last Chance Bravo). At the same time, DES will work with local fire departments, regional HAZMAT teams, law enforcement agencies and the DPHHS environmental lab to respond to a simulated chemical disaster (Last Chance Charlie).
This will be the first exercise of this magnitude in Montana; it will involve at least 100 entities, public and private, state and local. All emergencies start at the local level, including public health emergencies. That's why about 26 hospitals and clinics, as well as 59 of Montana's 63 county and tribal health departments will participate in "Bravo."
A crucial element of the exercise will be testing the ability of state, federal, and local health officials to share information and resources with one another. We'll also test our ability to diagnose disease and investigate and control its spread.
According to a study by Montana State University, public health workers across the state were twice as ready to respond to a disaster in 2004 as they were just two years earlier. The study measured preparedness planning and readiness, disease surveillance, laboratory testing of pathogens, communication technology, public information capabilities, and training. Public health professionals statewide have been working hard to plan for the unthinkable and be ready to respond to it swiftly and effectively.
This summer we'll find out just how ready we really are--not just to fight bioterrorism, but to combat any infectious disease epidemic that could have potentially disastrous impacts for Montana.
To learn more about bioterrorism, visit www.bt.cdc.gov .
Valentine D. Sworts is co-chair of Operation Last Chance One and leads the exercise design team for Last Chance Bravo. She works for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
Page last updated: 06/15/2006
