NABP's Executive Officers Conference Offers Session on Biodisaster Preparedness

October 10, 2001 12:00 am

The devastating events in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, have heightened public awareness and sensitivity to the potential dangers of a terrorist-provoked biodisaster. "Preparing for a Biodisaster," a timely and thought-provoking seminar that will focus on the possible effects of bioterrorism and the precautions and steps needed to successfully avert harm to human lives, will be presented during the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's (NABP) Executive Officers Conference (EOC) on Sunday, November 11, 2001, from 3:30 to 5:30 PM, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey in Monterey, Calif. Although planned prior to the September 11 disaster, this seminar has assumed greater significance for the profession of pharmacy as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"The release of selected biological or chemical agents targeting the US civilian population may require rapid access to large quantities of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies," warns NABP President Richard K. "Mick" Markuson. "If such a disaster should take place, pharmacists will be on the front lines helping victims and working to minimize the damage."

The EOC seminar, led by Debra Dotson and Susan Gorman from the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile (NPS) program and Donald H. Williams, executive director of the Washington State Board of Pharmacy, will include a discussion of the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Program and its response component, the NPS program. As part of the Department of Health and Human Services 1999 Bioterrorism Initiative, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was designated to lead the effort and work with governmental and non-governmental partners to upgrade the nation's public health capacity in response to biological and chemical terrorism.

Individuals interested in attending the EOC to learn more about this important program should contact the NABP Meetings Desk at 847/698-6227.

Courtney Karzen