Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response
Core Capacity Project

This project is a joint activity supported by ASTHO, NACCHO, and CDC to:

1. Identify/define the core capacities needed within state and local public health systems to prepare for, and respond to bioterrorism,
2. Determine priorities - based on the capacities identified above, that need to be addressed to improve immediate response capacities associated with bioterrorism, and
3. Reach consensus on these capacities from stakeholders (i.e., public health, hospitals, non-governmental partners, and other federal agencies) to ensure success in future implementation.

MISSION: To protect public health and safety by developing the capacity of state and local public health systems to prepare for and respond to a bioterrorist act

GOALS:

1. Surveillance and Epidemiologic Investigation
   Goal: The public health system monitors community health status to detect the presence of critical bioterrorism agents and characterize the public health emergency.
2. Identification
   Goal: The Laboratory Response Network for bioterrorism (LRN) can rule-out, refer, identify, confirm, and characterize biological threat agents.
3. Communication
   Goal: Public health system assures that information is collected, analyzed, and communicated effectively among the response community, decision-makers, and the general public during a public health emergency.
4. Mobilization
   Goal: The public health system identifies, coordinates, and deploys public health assets to assure an effective emergency response.
5. Public Health Interventions
   Goal: The public health system implements emergency health measures to control and contain an outbreak.