Prudent steps are necessary to prepare for a potential influenza pandemic, according to Stephen Prior, the Research Director for the National Center for Critical Incident Analysis. Dr. Prior outlined his recommendations in a presentation to the National Executive Forum for State Homeland Security Directors in Annapolis on June 7.
Dr. Prior called for the establishment of state or regional task forces, for broad participation in public policy formation to deal with a health emergency, for planning to support the first responder and health provider workforce and for planning to cope with possible “pandemic panic” and the psychosocial impacts of massive deaths.