Most States Underprepared for Public Health Emergencies

December 19, 2012
by Dr. Jennifer Austin
ABC News

 

There are persistent gaps in the nation’s ability to respond to public health emergencies, according to a new study from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Trust for America’s Health, despite a series of recent tragic events like 9-11, anthrax threats and Hurricane Katrina.

One of the most notable findings is that 20 U.S. states do not currently mandate written evacuation plans for all licensed child care facilities, should the need arise.

“Most school systems have plans in place, but we also need to recognize that child care facilities need plans as well,” said Dr. Jeffrey Levi, executive director of Trust for America’s Health.

 

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