U.S.: Tennessee gets grants to bolster disaster response, including #pandemic

Jul. 7, 2013

Tennessee is receiving federal grants totaling $17,375,022 to help its health system better respond to a disaster, such as an earthquake, pandemic or terrorist attack.

The money comes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While a natural disaster like last year’s Hurricane Sandy or a man-made crisis like this year’s Boston Marathon bombings grabs attention, other threats keep health workers busy.

“Already in 2013, local and state health agencies have responded to eight foodborne outbreaks, two new global diseases, and 37 disaster and emergency declarations, a clear indication of the breadth of threats that public health departments must be capable of responding to,” said Dr. Ali Khan, director of public health preparedness and response for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Continued:  http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130707/NEWS07/307070075/TN-gets-grants-bolster-disaster-response