ADVISORY/Bioterrorism: Myth and Reality; ASIS International and the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Examine the Insidious and Growing Threat of Bioterrorism.

News Editors/Assignment Desks

ADVISORY...for Mon.-Tues. (April 14-15)

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 7, 2003

ASIS International (ASIS), the leader in security education, in conjunction with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, will present a 1 1/2 day conference to help dispel the myths surrounding bioterrorism, and to provide factual information about the likely agents, the diseases they cause, and efforts to counter their threats.

The program will be held on April 14 and 15 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Pentagon City.

Media covering bioterrorism, infectious diseases, homeland preparedness--any aspect of bioterrorism--should make plans to attend!

Topics under discussion include:

-- Bio-agents--their types, potential for damage and methods of

delivery

-- Bioterrorism preparedness in the U.S., and where it is headed

-- The psychological impact of bioterror, and how best to deal

with it

-- Lessons learned from the 2001 anthrax mailings

-- Defining the role of the first responders and what is to be

realistically expected

-- Identifying practical measures for protecting your

organization and your community

-- Understanding the legal and media issues concerning readiness,

response, and recovery

Speakers include: Anthony Fauci, Director, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases for the National Institutes of Health; Jim Rowen, Acting Chief Postal Inspector for the U.S. Postal Service; Steve Pieczenik, psychiatrist, on the psychological impact of bioterror; and Dr. Donald Henderson, senior science advisor for the Dept. of Health and Human Services on bioterrorism preparedness.

Please contact Vicki Contavespi, 703/518-1466, if interested in attending the program, or interviewing the speakers.

ASIS International (ASIS) is the preeminent organization for security professionals, with 32,000 members worldwide. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security interests, such as the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits, as well as specific security topics.

ASIS also advocates the role and value of the security management profession to business, the media, government entities, and the public. By providing members and the security community with access to a full range of programs and services, and by publishing the industry's number one magazine -- Security Management -- ASIS leads the way for advanced and improved security performance.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1973 and dedicated to:

-- Encouraging and sponsoring public and professional education

about infectious diseases

-- Supporting research and training in infectious diseases

-- Aiding in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases

NFID carries out its mission by:

-- Educating the public

-- Educating healthcare professionals

-- Supporting research and training in infectious diseases

-- Building coalitions

-- Honoring scientific and public health achievement, legislative

contributions, and philanthropy in Infectious Diseases