RAND » Topics » Bioterrorism

Bioterrorism

The threat of biological weapons poses unique challenges for government officials charged with devising immediate and longer-term response plans. RAND has developed exercises to train and evaluate the preparedness of state and local public health agencies to respond to bioterrorism. RAND researchers have also examined the longer-term psychological consequences of bioterrorism and created guidelines to improve individual preparedness for chemical, radiological, nuclear, and biological attacks.

Research conducted by: RAND Justice, Infrastructure, and Environment; Homeland Security and Defense Center; RAND National Security Research Division; RAND Health; Public Health Systems and Preparedness

Commentary (6)

Tuberculosis Outbreak in LA Reminds Us of Importance of 'Bread and Butter' Public Health Capabilities — Mar 12, 2013

In this fiscally uncertain climate, we should continue to leverage the dual-use benefit of bioterrorism investments by building and maintaining those routine (but essential) public health capabilities that can also be used in response to a variety of public health emergencies.

Commentary

Far More U.S. Health Security Research Effort Aimed at Bioterrorism than Natural Disasters — Dec 3, 2012

Given the broad range of threats facing the United States, including those related to extreme weather, it is imperative that monies invested in enhancing health security be well spent, writes Shoshana Shelton.

Commentary

Heed Film Lessons on Outbreak — Dec 29, 2011

To assure the health security of the United States, we must be capable of stopping anything a terrorist or Mother Nature might throw at us. Wholesale cuts to public health are taking us farther from that goal, write Art Kellermann and Melinda Moore.