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Racial Discrimination

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Historic Lynchings and Voter Registration, China in Space, Firefighters' Mental Health: RAND Weekly Recap
This weekly recap focuses on the link between historic lynchings and voter registration, Afghanistan in the era of fentanyl, supporting firefighters’ mental health, and more.
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Jul 30, 2021

Workplace Well-Being

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As Fire Season Heats Up, Burnout Looms
Increasingly intense fire seasons are taking a physical and mental toll on wildland firefighters. Without more direct attention paid to firefighters' mental health, burnout could decimate the ranks of those who protect lives and property across the West.
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Jul 21, 2021
The RAND Blog
Grace Hindmarch, Aaron Clark-Ginsberg @aclarkginsberg, et al.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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Planning for the Upcoming Hurricane Season in Light of COVID-19
What if Hurricane Katrina had hit during a pandemic? Emergency planners can prepare for this scenario by evaluating current response system capacity, evacuation and sheltering procedures, food and supply issues, and more.
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May 4, 2020
Vox
Aaron Clark-Ginsberg @aclarkginsberg, Gary Cecchine @GaryCecchine, et al.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

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The Justice System and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Resources for Policymakers
From closed courts to increased risk for first responders, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges for the justice system. RAND research provides insights that may be helpful as decisionmakers try and address some of these issues.
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Apr 20, 2020
The RAND Blog
Bethany Saunders-Medina
Emergency Responders

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Lessons for First Responders on the Front Lines of Terrorism
Given the persistent risk of terrorist attacks, it is critical to learn from past incidents to prepare for future ones. Medical and nonmedical first responders need more training in basic lifesaving skills. Open communication lines such as a dedicated radio frequency could help responders better coordinate. Disaster drills are also essential.
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Jul 10, 2017
The Conversation
Mahshid Abir, Christopher Nelson
Emergency Services and Response

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An Enduring Need for Better Measures of Emergency Preparedness
In an era of fiscal austerity, the need for measurement and assessment becomes manifold. Tied to good government goals and responsible stewardship of public funds, measurements are also necessary to educate the public about what it should—and should not—reasonably expect when disaster strikes.
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Jun 25, 2014
The RAND Blog
Brian A. Jackson
Terrorism Threat Assessment

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Airport Violence—Not a New Phenomenon
Shootings at airports are nothing new, writes Brian Michael Jenkins. In fact, they have regularly occurred worldwide in recent years. The motives have included terrorism, crime, and mental illness.
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Nov 2, 2013
The RAND Blog
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins
Emergency Medical Services

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From Boston to Oklahoma—Lessons for the Regional Trauma Response System
Three mass-casualty events occurring in three very different settings show that disaster preparedness should not be limited to large cities or “target” areas in the United States. One trait that is common to all such events is the need for coordinated, responsive trauma care for victims.
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May 23, 2013
The Health Care Blog
Mahshid Abir, Stewart D. Wang
Emergency Preparedness

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Lessons from Boston
Boston's health care providers reacted the way they did because they knew what they were supposed to do. Those who did not were smart enough to follow the lead of those who did. That's how a “ritualized” disaster plan works.
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Apr 25, 2013
New England Journal of Medicine
Arthur L. Kellermann, Kobi Peleg
Emergency Responders

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Why U.S. Was Surprised, but Prepared for Boston Attack
Although official after-action reports are still being compiled, it looks like Boston's first responders and hospitals delivered under difficult circumstances, writes Arthur Kellermann.
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Apr 18, 2013
CNN
Arthur L. Kellermann
Emergency Responders

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Katrina Proved We Must Do Better Job of Protecting Our Protectors
Katrina Proved We Must Do Better Job of Protecting Our Protectors, in the Clarion-Ledger
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Aug 13, 2007
Clarion-Ledger
Brian A. Jackson
commentary
Forum: Are We Prepared? Not Quite
Published commentary by RAND staff: Forum: Are We Prepared? Not Quite, in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
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Aug 27, 2006
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
K. Jack Riley @K_Jack_Riley
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Prepare for Disaster
Published commentary by RAND staff: Prepare for Disaster in the United Press International.
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Sep 27, 2005
United Press International
Tom LaTourrette, Edward W. Chan
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Prepare the Public
Published commentary by RAND staff.
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Dec 30, 2004
United Press International
Nicole Lurie, Jeffrey Wasserman
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All Citizens Now First Responders
Published commentary by RAND staff.
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Mar 24, 2003
USA Today
Brian Michael Jenkins @BrianMJenkins