ASPR TRACIE is a healthcare emergency preparedness information gateway that ensures that all stakeholders — at the federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government levels; in nongovernmental organizations; and in the private sector—have access to information and resources to improve preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. The site, launched on June 15, 2015, provides Technical Resources, an Assistance Center, and an Information Exchange. Learn more on the fact sheet or go to the site to register now.
Trust for America's Health has published an issue brief that recommends key actions to prepare public health and healthcare systems in the U.S. for MERS and other emerging infections.
Health Impacts of Climate Change
On June 23, the 2015 Lancet Commission on Health and Climate Change published a report mapping out the impacts of climate change, and the necessary policy responses, to ensure the highest attainable standards of health for populations worldwide. The report was compiled by a panel of specialists, including international climate scientists and geographers, social, environmental and energy scientists, biodiversity experts and health professionals. The central finding is that tackling climate change could be the greatest global health opportunity of the 21st century; a co-author of the report referred to climate change as a medical emergency. The report can be read online, as well as summarized in video format.
Similarly, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a report titled Climate Change in the United States: Benefits of Global Action. This report summarizes results from the Climate Change Impacts and Risks Analysis (CIRA) project, a peer-reviewed study comparing impacts in a future with significant global action on climate change to a future in which current greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise. The full EPA report can be found here, including summarizing the benefits of climate action on the health-related issues of air quality, extreme temperature, labor, and water quality.
The Joint Commission provides a free online course: Influenza Pandemic Preparedness and Response in Ambulatory Settings. This two-hour course can help staff learn how to effectively respond to an influenza pandemic by developing a preparedness and response plan following a four-step guide. Click here to learn more.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released new multi-disciplinary first responder guidance, based upon evidence-based response strategies from the U.S. military and incorporating civilian best practices and lessons learned. Recommendations fall into three general categories: hemorrhage control, protective equipment, and response and incident management. Click here to read the full report.
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