THE NEW JERSEY CENTER FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PREPAREDNESS AT UMDNJ

UMDNJ - SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

>>>NJCPHP News PHlash <<<

APRIL 1 - APRIL 14 2 0 0 5

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

I. PREPAREDNESS NEWS

[1] Department of Homeland Security releases interim national preparedness goal - Department of Homeland Security (4/1/2005)

[2] New cotton fabric may absorb toxins: scientists unveil composite cotton fabric said to protect against biological, chemical agents - ABCnews.com (4/5/2005)

[3] NRC-NAS reach agreement on spent fuel public report -NRC News (4/6/2005)

[4] Temple University researchers find that Pennsylvanians are confident yet unprepared for emergencies and terrorist attacks - PRNewswire (4/7/2005)

[5] 'The Trauma of Terrorism' addressed in new book -Radio Free Europe (4/7/2005)

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II. UPCOMING EVENTS

[1] New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference 2005

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I. PREPAREDNESS NEWS

[1] Department of Homeland Security releases interim national preparedness goal -Department of Homeland Security (4/1/2005)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be releasing a new publication, the Interim National Preparedness Goal (or ìGoalî) which asks the nation three key questions: ìHow prepared are we? How prepared do we need to be? and How do we prioritize efforts to close the gap?î The Goal is a strategic effort in ensuring our nationís preparedness capabilities, by establishing priorities, targets, and metrics for effective and efficient emergency response practices. The Goal is a component of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (HSPD-8).

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4420

[2] New cotton fabric may absorb toxins: scientists unveil composite cotton fabric said to protect against biological, chemical agents - ABCnews.com (4/5/2005)
The Institute of Environmental and Human Health at Texas Tech University developed a new, multi-functional composite cotton fabric, protective against biological and chemical agents. The fabric, which contains a thin layer of toxin-neutralizing carbon, can be used to wipe off contaminants from skin or equipment, as protective suit lining, or draped over objects.

Currently, the fabric is pending testing for anthrax resistance; scientists note however, that agent-specific neutralizing enzymes can be applied to the fabric. Negotiations are scheduled to occur in several months with federal government agencies for usage of the new fabric.

http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=641517

[3] NRC-NAS reach agreement on spent fuel public report - NRC News (4/6/2005)
A public version of an originally classified National Academy of Sciences

(NAS) report on spent nuclear fuel storage security and safety was released after an agreement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on the reportís content. The NRC has reviewed, analyzed, and provided security recommendations for the protection of spent fuel since before the 9/11 attacks; the NRC works to maintain that balanced information, such as that regarding spent fuel security, is available to the public.

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/news/2005/05-061.html

[4] Temple University researchers find that Pennsylvanians are confident yet unprepared for emergencies and terrorist attacks - PRNewswire (4/7/2005)
Temple Universityís Center for Preparedness, Research, Education and Practice (C-PREP) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health recently conducted an assessment of Pennsylvanians terrorism and disaster preparedness status, including their awareness of resources and practices.

Researchers discovered that the stateís residents significantly rely on the media for preparedness information, but also seek information local government organizations and public health agencies, even church/community leaders --cooperation amongst these sources is integral in effectively addressing the publicís needs during a public health emergency thus decreasing the negative impact.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050407/phth045.html?.v=4

[5] 'The Trauma of Terrorism' addressed in new book - Radio Free Europe (4/7/2005)
A new book, "The Trauma of Terrorism: Sharing Knowledge and Shared Care" by Danieli, Brown & Sills is slated to serve as an "international handbook" or resource for dealing with the effects of terrorism by providing a series of terrorism case studies with an accompanying multi-dimensional response approaches. The book provides a venue for the international community in learning from incidents in other nations, paying attention to cultural differences in the mental health response to an emergency, and also largely focuses on the study of families and children.

http://www.rferl.org/releases/2005/04/316-070405.asp

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II. UPCOMING EVENTS

[1] New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Conference 2005
(NEW JERSEY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS ASSOCIATION)

WHEN: April 25 - 29
April 25 - 27: Pre-Conference Training
April 28 - 29: Conference

WHERE: Tropicana Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ

WHAT: The New Jersey Emergency Preparedness Association's Annual Conference provides training and coordination and promotes the development of public & private partnerships in planning, response, recovery and mitigation in all types of emergencies.

COST: $50 in advance, $75 at the door (includes pre-conference training and conference)

CONTACT: For more information or to register, please visit: www.njepa.org

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Please send any subscription inquiries to huculon@umdnj.edu.

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The New Jersey Center for Public Health Preparedness at UMDNJ, UMDNJ-School of Public Health does not claim responsibility for accuracy of facts and information presented.  All opinions expressed are those of the original authors and do not represent the views of NJCPHP staff or affiliates.  NJCPHP News PHlash, a bi-weekly news bulletin, is distributed free of charge electronically, with the intention of sharing information of interest and value to our subscribers.