Process Evaluation of Project Public Health Ready

Sarah Myers ; Michael A. Stoto

RAND Corporation

RAND Corporation

关键词: National Security;    Public Safety;    Terrorism and Homeland Security;    Public Health;    Health and Health Care;    Bioterrorism;   

RP-ID  :  TR-224-HLTH

学科分类：自然科学（综合）

美国|英语

来源: RAND Corporation Published Research

【 摘 要 】

Project Public Health Ready aims to prepare local public health agencies to respond to bioterrorism and to protect the public’s health through a program of planning, competency-based training, and exercises. The program is voluntary and participants receive recognition for their efforts. This report evaluates the pilot year of Project Public Health Ready. In the first year of operation, participation provided agencies with (1) a framework to use in organizing their preparedness activities; (2) ideas, materials, and support from their colleagues in the national program, academic public health preparedness centers, and elsewhere; and (3) recognition for their department’s efforts. The program’s deadlines and requirements led agencies to become prepared earlier than if they had not participated in the program. Although there were substantial non-reimbursed costs, participating departments were glad to have been part of the program and would participate again. Most of the limitations were associated with its status as a pilot program and the early state of development of standards, materials, and knowledge about public health preparedness.