HHS announces funding for academic centers for public health preparedness

     Health and Human Services Secretary, Tommy G. Thompson, recently announced a $20 million funding in the fiscal year 2002 for a nationwide network of Centers for Public Health Preparedness and is part of the $2.9 billion dollar bioterrorism appropriations signed by President Bush on January 10th..  The Centers for Public Health Preparedness, administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within HHS, will link Schools of Public Health, state and local health agencies and other academic and community health partners to foster individual preparedness at the front line.

     "The funding of these centers comes at a crucial period as the nation moves forward to improve its public health infrastructure to respond swiftly and effectively to threats and emergencies," states Secretary Thompson.  "This new funding will help centers identify, assess, and improve critical gaps in preparedness for the state and the localities that they serve."

     For more information on the funding you may visit www.phppo.cdc.gov .