July Newsletter - 2004

Standing on the Stage of Terror a Great Success
On June 17 in St. Louis, the Institute presented a one-day workshop on communicating with the media during a bioterrorism event.  Attendees included: bioterrorism planners, public information officers, firefighters, military members, the FBI, health departments, hospital public relations officials, physicians, nurses, infectious disease workers, police officers, weapons of mass destruction consultants and students.

The workshop included information on what the public expects to know in the event of a bioterrorism event.  Presenters included representatives from the CDC, Missouri Homeland Security Chief Tim Daniels, Saint Louis University, the University of Alabama and the University of California-Los Angeles.  In addition to informing the public, the workshop provided insight on what members of television, radio and print media expect to learn following a bioterrorism attack.  The practical aspects of media interviewing were discussed, including the pitfalls of interviewing, the use of microphones, handling live interviews, and tips on effective on-camera presentation. 

This workshop was a first of its kind event and of the utmost importance in the current technological age.  The ability to provide accurate information in a concise and professional manner is vital to bioterrorism preparation and response.  Workshop participants are now better prepared for the pressures of media interviewing and responding to the public's demand for information.

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