Bioterrorism Information
We
have received many calls regarding protecting yourself and your family. For information,
links and more please click here to visit our Emergency Planning & Preparedness
page.
One of the most important missions we have as a Nation
is to be prepared for the threat of biological terrorism - the deliberate use of
disease as a weapon. An effective biodefense will require a long-term strategy and
significant new investment in the U.S. health care system. The President is taking
steps now that will significantly improve the Nation's ability to protect its citizens
against the threat of bioterrorism.
The President's Budget for 2003 proposes $5.9 billion
to defending against biological terrorism. The State of Missouri, along with the
Jefferson County Health Department are working with all sectors of the community,
including law enforcement, regional health departments, fire and rescue and emergency
management agencies, to ensure that we are prepared for this kind of threat.
THE ROLE OF THE LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
Emergency Preparedness and
Planning
The Jefferson County Health Department is in the process of working with hospitals,
law enforcement, and first responders to effectively prepare for a bioterrorism
event.
Enhance Surveillance
Through Epidemiology, we are working to detect any agents/disease that are out of
normal occurrence.
Public Awareness & Education
The Jefferson County Health Department is working to increase your knowledge of
Bioterrorism Agents, their effects, what you can do to protect yourself, and what
your public health agency is doing to protect you.