AMA Resolutions

Introduced by: American College of Preventive Medicine
American Association of Public Health Physicians

Subject:  Bolstering Public Health Preparedness

Referred to:  Reference Committee __

Whereas, the tragic events of September 11^th underscore the need for prevention of and preparedness for the public health impacts of bioterrorism and other vectors of mass destruction; and

Whereas, the Institute of Medicine (The Future of Public Health, 1988) has identified three essential services that should be provided by every state and local health department, namely: 1) assessment of community health needs, 2) public health policy development, and 3) assurance that needed services are adequately provided; and

Whereas, despite the IOM report 13 years ago, our public health infrastructure (personnel, programs, and resources) is not adequately prepared to handle many public health or bioterrorism threats; and

Whereas, many strategies that could reduce the threat of bioterrorism could improve other aspects of the nation's health (e.g., implementation of the Frist-Kennedy Public Health Infrastructure Law); therefore be it

RESOLVED that our AMA send a letter to the President, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Director of Homeland Security, Congress, and governors asking that the surveillance, response, and leadership capabilities of state and local public health departments be specifically targeted as being among our nation's highest-priority bioterrorism-related measures; and be it further

RESOLVED that the needed strategies, funding, and technical assistance be developed in collaboration with national groups representing public health professionals, organizations, and agencies.

H-130.949 Organized Medicine’s Role in the National Response to Terrorism

Our AMA: (1) and the Federation of Medicine will work with appropriate public health, law enforcement, hospital, and emergency response agencies and associations, as well as the pharmaceutical industry and media to develop coordinated plans and strategies that identify the specific needs, roles, contributions, and participation of organized medicine and individual physicians in disaster planning and emergency response to terrorist attacks and identify procedures for the rapid detection, early reporting, and medical management of affected individuals; and (2) urges medical schools and residency programs to develop curricula and training programs for medical students and residents regarding medical and public health aspects of biological and chemical terrorism, as well as community disaster planning and emergency response procedures in the event of such terrorism. (CSA Rep. 4, A-99; Reaffirmed: CSA Rep. 10, A-00)