Public Health Systems and Preparedness
Today, public health and security are inextricably intertwined. Events such as the intentional anthrax attacks of October 2001, Hurricane Katrina, and H1N1 influenza have highlighted the complex challenges involved in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies. The RAND Public Health Systems and Preparedness Initiative brings together a unique group of researchers with multidisciplinary skill sets to help communities and policy leaders address critical health security and public health issues. RAND has conducted a wide range of studies to analyze, model, measure, and develop policy options for government and private-sector entities in the United States and around the world. Current projects on public health preparedness topics are briefly described below.
Profiles of Current Research
Highlights of Recent Studies
Post-Katrina Project Demonstrates a Rapid, Participatory Assessment of Health Care and Develops a Partnership for Post-Disaster Recovery in New Orleans
This project provided new information on community members’ health priorities in communities where health care access was disrupted by Hurricane Katrina and documented significant public health concerns relevant to disaster preparedness and community health, including challenges in gaining access to health care and unmet needs of vulnerable populations.
Risk Communication in the Early Stages of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Alert: How Effective Were State and Local Public Health Departments?
Following the H1N1 episode in April 2009, a review of the websites of all 50 state public health departments and the District of Columbia found that nearly all state health departments delivered timely, accessible information to their constituents, covering the requisite range of topics; however, far fewer local jurisdictions did so.
Are Communities Ready to Conduct Rapid and Large-Scale Dispensing of Medications During a Public Health Emergency?
An initial evaluation of the Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) found that the program appears to have improved communities’ capacity during an emergency to dispense medications and other supplies on a large scale and under rapid timelines; however, the study was unable to assess jurisdictions’ ability to implement their mass dispensing plans in emergency conditions.
Related Websites
Working with Congress
RAND’s Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) furthers RAND’s mission to provide objective analysis and effective solutions by disseminating research results to Congress and federal agencies. OCR publishes a monthly electronic newsletter featuring current work on health policy. The RAND Health Congressional Newsletter is found at www.rand.org/congress/newsletters.html. Contact: Winfield Boerckel (winfield_boerckel@rand.org).
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