Public Health Systems and Preparedness

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As recent pandemics, natural disasters, and bioterrorist attacks have demonstrated, public health concerns are intertwined with public safety and national security issues. RAND research has helped communities and governments evaluate their readiness for public health emergencies and develop guidelines for preventing and managing them.

From the RAND Blog

H7N9 Bird Flu — Health Authorities Are Prepared, but Must Stay on High Alert — May 10, 2013

Lab specialist working on avian influenzaHaving dealt with outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu and other communicable diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and H1N1 swine flu in 2009, health officials are now far better prepared to detect new diseases early and react quickly to monitor and contain their spread.

Why U.S. Was Surprised, but Prepared for Boston Attack — Apr 18, 2013

Boston Marathon bombing - first respondersAlthough official after-action reports are still being compiled, it looks like Boston's first responders and hospitals delivered under difficult circumstances, writes Arthur Kellermann.

Latest Research and Publications

Medical Relief After Earthquakes: Time for a New Paradigm

National organizations and major nongovernmental organizations that regularly participate in global disaster relief should regularly meet to share experiences, offer insights, and critique response in a nonjudgmental way. This should inform policy decisions around personnel, supplies, transportation, and communication.

The Untested Assumptions of U.S. Disaster Preparedness

U.S. government programs regarding the importance of citizen preparedness are based on several untested assumptions. Despite extensive communications efforts and surveys related to preparedness activities, the role individual Americans are being asked to play is largely based on conventional wisdom.

U.S. Public Health in the Globalized, Austere Present

As commerce and travel continues to expose the U.S. to international health risks, the lines between 'local' and 'global' public health increasingly blur. U.S. agencies can aid preparedness by promoting awareness to clinicians, learning from other countries, measuring effectiveness, and keeping a global perspective.
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Cover: Building Community Resilience to Disasters

Building Community Resilience to Disasters: A Roadmap to Guide Local Planning

Examines ways in which communities can improve their ability to withstand and recover from adversity.

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