Public Health Preparedness

Examples of the need to protect the public’s health from disease, disasters, and bioterrorism abound. The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark example. In addition, during 2023 the U.S. experienced 25 weather-related events that each caused over $1 billion dollars in damages in addition to tragic loss of lives. During August of 2023, an estimated 57 million people were living under an excessive heat warning putting them at risk of heat-related illnesses.

As a nation, we need to do more to ensure that we are adequately prepared to protect the public’s health during emergencies including providing increased and sustained public health funding and fostering multi and cross sector planning and collaboration.