Gauging Preparedness: Are We Ready to Respond to Outbreaks?

During a Feb. 6, 2014, First Friday Google+ Hangout, panelists discussed the nation’s health security preparedness as detailed in a recent report, Outbreaks: Protecting Americans from Infectious Disease. Susan Dentzer, senior policy adviser to the Foundation, led a discussion with public health preparedness experts about the National Health Security Preparedness Index and implications for all 50 states, and lessons learned from notable infectious disease outbreaks such as Ebola and H1N1. 
This event is part of the #RWJF1stFri series, a platform to inform RWJF audiences about lessons our partners are learning as we all work to build a Culture of Health.
Participants included Susan Dentzer (moderator), senior policy adviser to RWJF, and the following panelists: Paul Kuehnert, DNP, RN, director, RWJF; Tom Inglesby, MD, chief executive officer and director, UPMC Center for Health Security; Suzet McKinney, DrPH, MPH, deputy commissioner, Bureau of Public Health Preparedness and Emergency Response and Division of Women & Children’s Health, Chicago Department of Public Health.