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Letters & CommentsMeredith Allen
Meredith Allen is currently the epidemiologist for the Bucks County Department of Health, where her daily responsibilities include disease surveillance, outbreak control, and bioterrorism preparedness. She is a dissertation candidate in the DrPH program at Drexel University’s School of Public Health. Her research focuses on community inclusion in governmental preparedness drills and its effect on participant’s level of confidence in government emergency preparedness planning. She holds a master degree in epidemiology with a concentration in infectious disease from Harvard University and a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Delaware. Ms. Allen can be contacted at mgallen@co.bucks.pa.us.
Brick by Brick: The Strategic Re-Building of the Public Health Infrastructure
ABSTRACT:
The public health infrastructure in the United States has eroded unnoticed;
however, the tragic events of September 11, 2001 highlighted the need for a robust public health system.
Homeland security funding and the Department of Homeland Security’s strategic goals have directly impacted the rebuilding of the public health system.
While numerous improvements have been made which would directly affect the nation’s ability to respond to a public health emergency,
such as the implementation of disease surveillance programs, the fostering of interagency cooperation, and the development of the Medical Reserve Corps,
these improvements are also useful during routine incidents.
The creation of a strong public health infrastructure will help protect the public from homeland security threats but will also protect them from everyday hazards.
The ability to strengthen the nation’s response to everyday hazards, while having the ability to scale-up a response for a national emergency,
is the most critical aspect of the success of homeland security programs and funding.
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