Ready or Not 2025: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism

Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) held an in-person Congressional briefing on our recent report, Ready or Not 2025: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism

The report assesses state and national preparedness and details how to strengthen the nation’s readiness for health emergencies and thereby protect health and economic security in every community. Its special feature on the H5N1 Bird Flu discusses steps the country should take to prevent the outbreak from evolving into a pandemic.

The in-person briefing featured subject matter experts and highlighted policy recommendations to aid policymakers in improving the nation’s emergency preparedness.

Panelists

• Jennifer Greene, MPH
  Jennifer Greene serves as Health Director and CEO of AppHealthCare, a district public health department and federally qualified health center serving Alleghany, Ashe, and Watauga Counties.
  Bio
  
• Paula F. Nickelson
  Paula Nickelson served as Missouri’s State Health Official and Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services from March 2022 to March 2025.  As well, Ms. Nickelson was Missouri’s lead for public health and healthcare (Essential Service Function #8) for all emergency responses during her tenure.
  Bio
  
• Daniel B. Fagbuyi, M.D.
  Dr. Daniel B. Fagbuyi, known as “Dr. Dan” by his patients, is a distinguished ER Physician, Biodefense Expert, Chief Medical Officer, War Veteran, Asst. Professor and Media Expert, providing strategic leadership in public health literacy, biodefense, disaster preparedness, emergency management, and business continuity of operations both nationally and internationally.
  Bio
  

Moderator

• J. Nadine Gracia, M.D., MSCE
  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