Ready or Not 2023: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism

This briefing explores the findings from TFAH’s recent report, Ready or Not 2023: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism.

The past year alone saw the U.S. surpassing 1 million deaths due to COVID-19, decreasing rates of routine vaccinations, and increasing prevalence of health misinformation. In addition, last year the U.S. experienced 10 or more billion-dollar weather-related disasters for the eighth consecutive year. The webinar will review TFAH’s 2023 Ready or Not report which measures states’ degree of preparedness to respond to a wide spectrum of health emergencies and to provide ongoing public health services.

Subject matter experts discussed the nation’s readiness for public health emergencies, examine the findings of the report, and discuss key recommendations for policymakers.

Resources:

Trust for America’s Health

• Ready or Not 2023: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
• Ready or Not 2023 – State-by-State Fact Sheets 

Children’s National Hospital

• EMSC Innovation and Improvement Center
• AAP Policy statement: Crowding in the Emergency Department: Challenges and Recommendations for the care of children
• ASPR Disaster Centers of Excellence:
  • Western Regional Alliance for Pediatric Emergency Management
  • Region V for Kids
  • Gulf 7 Pediatric Disaster Network
• Pediatric Pandemic Network

Panelists

• Mysheika W. Roberts, M.D., MPH
  Dr. Roberts is the Health Commissioner for Columbus, Ohio Public Health
  Bio
  
• Joelle Simpson, M.D.
  Dr. Simpson is the Division Chief, Emergency Medicine and Medical Director of Emergency Preparedness for Children's National Hospital
  Bio
  
• Andrew Pickett, MS
  Mr. Pickett is the Director, Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response for Pennsylvania Department of Health
  Bio
  

Moderator

• Dr. J. Nadine Gracia
  Dr. J. Nadine Gracia is the President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), a nonprofit, nonpartisan public health policy, research and advocacy organization that promotes optimal health for every person and community.
  Bio