ADVISORY/Experts Available to Discuss Report on Bioterrorism, Emergency Preparedness.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

TOPIC: A report from the Trust for America's Health claims states have made only moderate progress in handling bioterrorism or public health emergencies since 2001, according to an article by Reuters. The states considered most prepared for a bioterrorist attack or medical emergency are California, Florida, Maryland and Tennessee. Congress provided $1.8 billion to state governments for personnel and equipment to improve emergency response. However, experts believe state budget problems have made preparing for such events more difficult.

EXPERTS: ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this story:

Norris L. Beren has been working with businesses and families on managing risk for 30 years. As executive director of the Emergency Preparedness Educational Institute(SM), an Illinois not-for-profit dedicated to helping Americans "get prepared," Beren teaches business owners, employees, community groups and schools. His common sense, easy-to-understand presentation style and compelling message are motivating audiences throughout the U.S. to "get prepared and be ready." Beren is also a Certified Professional Consultant to Management (CPCM), and a nationally recognized author, speaker, and trainer on risk reduction and emergency disaster planning. Beren can discuss what to do is basic services such as electricity, water, gas, phones or food supplies were cut off for an unknown period of time. The Emergency Preparedness Institute can provide information on: how to communicate with your family and how to keep your food safe at home. 877-670-7444 [e-mail]

Dr. Mark Crockett, of Ibex Healthdata Systems, Inc., is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a candidate fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians. In addition to his medical expertise, Dr. Crockett has extensive experience with information systems architecture, application design, technical support, technical documentation and project management in medical informatics. He has created several multi-educational systems, most notably an award-winning toxicology site he developed for the Emergency Department of the University of Illinois. Dr. Crockett is also a well-regarded author within the field of emergency medicine and toxicology and has been published in multiple journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association and Academic Emergency Medicine. PR Contact: Rod Neaveill 847-993-2235 [e-mail]

Michael Fagel, of Aurora Safety Services, is an expert in emergency management and safety with a focus on biological weapons and domestic safety. 630-897-0551

ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue.

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