By Eugene Vilensky
U of L biodefense unit named federal center for public health preparedness
The University of Louisville’s Center for the Deterrence of Biowarfare and Bioterrorism has been named one of seven specialty Centers for Public Health Preparedness as designated by the Centers for Disease Control. Senator Mitch McConnell simultaneously announced that he helped secure the initial $1.5 million grant from the money appropriated to the CDC. Joining McConnell and U of L officials in the announcement was Jerry Hauer, Assistant Secretary for Public Health Emergency Preparedness at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Established to “coordinate the research and education for the early recognition and response to potential acts of biological terrorism,” the University of Louisville’s Center places U of L in the company of schools such as Dartmouth Medical School, Johns Hopkins University, and Texas A & M.
The Center was formally established in the wake of 2001’s anthrax attacks in Florida and Washington, D.C. It has since trained over 1500 personnel in bioterror response.
The Center is headed by co-directors Ronald M. Atlas and Richard D. Clover. “Long before Americans were familiar with terms like anthrax and Cipro, U of L researchers identified bioterrorism as a glaring weakness in our nation’s health infrastructure,” said McConnell. “The CDC will look to U of L to train physicians to recognize, report, and treat individuals who have been exposed to biological agents.”
Jerry Hauer said, “Louisville is unique in its ability to assist our country in preparing for terrorist events.” He praised the leadership of the center and their ability to train specialty bioterror response personnel. “The knowledge and skills of your institution will continue to play an important role in public health and safety.”
“This center which you [Sen. McConnell] have supported wholeheartedly brings a new capability to not just Louisville, but to the nation,” said Atlas.
According to press materials, the initial $1.5 million is being used to develop new training programs to teach “rapid recognition and treatment of biological attacks, while also developing the technology for surveillance and communication of terrorism-related health events.” The Center will use U of L’s Standardized Patient Program and Paris Simulation Center for training. The program is capable of “physical and psychological simulations of patients exposed to a range of biological agents” along with “diagnosis and treatment training for a wide array of potential biological and chemical events.”
The grant was secured under the Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act of 2002, passed by Congress on June 12.
While announcing his commitment to U of L, McConnell took jabs at his colleagues in the Senate. “The Senate has not yet passed the Homeland Security bill,” chided McConnell, “one that preserves the President’s traditional flexibility.” At issue is the discretion with which the President may hire and fire employees of the newly formed Department of Homeland Security. The President wants to exclude the department from the typical job protections associated with civil service, while Senate Democrats are fighting bitterly to keep official civilian positions from becoming “politicized.”
