Thursday, February 19, 2004

Welcome to the first newsletter from the Center for the Study of Bioterrorism & Emerging Infections. As its mission, the Center works to prepare the U.S. public health and healthcare workforce for the threat of bioterrorism by providing the necessary tools for preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation of intentional or naturally occurring outbreaks. Through key partnerships with healthcare and public health agencies on a national, state and local level, the Center continues to be a source of education and information in the bioterrorism and emerging infection fields. The newsletter will highlight the Center’s current projects, publications, research focus, presentations and important announcements. This newsletter will further serve as an opportunity to keep those interested in similar pursuits informed of our ongoing efforts, as well as provide others the occasion for comment and feedback on both the Center’s pursuits and their own. Please feel free to contact the Center at 314-977-8257.

Bioterrorism Website
In an effort to bring you more information about our Center, we recently changed computer servers. In doing this, some of the paths you need to take to find information on our website may have changed. Read the full story.

Smallpox Initiative
In August 2003, the Center received a $500,000 grant from the CDC to review public health departments’ preparedness for a smallpox outbreak and to develop materials to achieve an adequate level of preparedness. Read the full story.

Primary Care Preparedness CD-ROM Series
In November 2003, the Center made available a three CD-ROM set with materials covering primary care preparedness in the areas of biological, chemical and radiological terrorism. Read the full story.

Law Enforcement and Epidemiology
How can law enforcement and epidemiology work together to respond to a bioterrorism event? Read the full story.

Preventing the Spread of Infection
The Center works toward greater infection control for ambulances Read the full story.

The Epidemiology of Bioterrorism
Coming soon! An on-line course for the public. Read the full story.

Public Health Preparedness Toolkit II
Educating public health professionals to better prepare for bioterrorism response. Read the full story.

Bioterrorism Media Conference
The Center is making plans to stage a regional conference during the third quarter this year on how public health officials can effectively utilize the media in the event of a bioterrorism event. We anticipate this conference will be attended by PHOs throughout the Midwest and is, to our knowledge, the first conference of its kind in the nation. Stay tuned for future updates.

West Nile Mapping/Seroprevalance Study
Stopping the West Nile Virus through predicting its prevalence. Read the full story.

The Women’s Study
Understanding risk factors and behaviors may help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections. Read the full story.

Internet Marketing
More ways to share information about the Center. Read the full story.

Have a question or comment? Email us at bioterr@slu.edu

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