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• National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Department of Health and Human Services Briefing Overview

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  This presentation outlines the Department of Health and Human Services and National Disaster Medical System roles in Federal Response Plan. Included are local needs, natural disasters, technological disasters, and terrorism. Charts and graphs help to show the flow of events from the time a disaster occurs.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• HHS Fact Sheet: HHS Initiative Prepares for Possible Bioterrorism Threat

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  While the exact risks are unknown, the use of biological weapons by terrorists potentially could result in life-threatening illness on a large scale. Even a lone terrorist could cause a major disease outbreak in the population - and, in the case of communicable disease, the outbreak could spread in successive waves of infection. Unlike explosions or chemical releases, a bioterrorist attack could be surreptitious and thus difficult and time-consuming to detect. Symptoms might not occur among victims for days or weeks, and those initially presenting themselves to physicians and clinics might be geographically dispersed. A strong public health network would be needed to piece together early reports and quickly determine what had happened. Once detected, the situation could overwhelm local health systems that are faced not only with the tasks of caring for mass casualties but also with the demands of even larger numbers of people requiring preventive care. In fiscal year 2001, HHS will invest $297 million in anti-bioterrorism efforts. HHS efforts are focused on five areas: improving the nation's public health surveillance network, to quickly detect and identify the biological agent that has been released; strengthening the capacities for medical response, especially at the local level; expanding the stockpile of pharmaceuticals for use if needed; expanding research on the disease agents that might be released, rapid methods for identifying biological agents, and improved treatments and vaccines; and preventing bioterrorism by regulation of the shipment of hazardous biological agents or toxins.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2001-08-16
• Testimony of Department of Health and Social Services Secretary, Tommy G. Thompson

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  Bioterrorism presents unique challenges since it differs dramatically from other forms of terrorism and national emergencies. While explosions or chemical attacks cause immediate and visible casualties, an intentional release of a biological weapon would unfold over the course of days or weeks, culminating potentially in a major epidemic. Until sufficient numbers of people arrive in emergency rooms, doctors' offices and health clinics with similar illnesses, there may be no sign that a bioterrorist attack has taken place. Individuals with symptoms may be at considerable distance from the site of initial exposure, both in terms of onset of disease and geographic location. Moreover, the bioweapons most likely to be used are pathogens not routinely seen by health care providers. Medical providers generally are not familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders and may even fail initially to recognize symptoms. These scenarios underscore the importance of preparing for the possibility of bioterrorism. Our efforts include preparing the medical and public health response to mass casualty events, working to improve our infectious disease surveillance capabilities, managing and securing the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile and investing in necessary research and development to improve our capability to respond to an emergency. Because of the potential for widespread damage a bioterrorist attack could bring, I will focus on what I consider HHS's main priorities as the coordinator of medical assistance and the surveillance efforts CDC would undertake to identify the pathogen used.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2001
• Guidance for Protecting Building Environments from Airborne Chemical, Biological, or Radiological Attacks

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  "This document identifies actions that a building owner or manager can implement without undue delay to enhance occupant protection from an airborne chemical, biological, or radiological (CBR) attack. The intended audience includes building owners, managers, and maintenance personnel of public, private, and governmental buildings, including offices, laboratories, hospitals, retail facilities, schools, transportation terminals, and public venues (for example, sports arenas, malls, coliseums). This document is not intended to address single-family or low-occupancy residential housing (less than five family units). Higher risk facilities such as industrial facilities, military facilities, subway systems, and law enforcement facilities require special considerations that are beyond the scope of this guide."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2002-05
• Arsenic Trioxide (As2O3 ) Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. Synonyms include arsenic oxide, arsenious acid, arsenious oxide, arsenious trioxide, arsenous acid anhydride, crude arsenic, arsenolite, and white arsenic.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Blister Agents: Lewisite (L) (C2H2AsCl3) and Mustard-Lewisite Mixture (HL) Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. Synonyms for Lewisite include L, arsine (2-chlorovinyl) dichloro-, arsenous dichloride (2-chloroethenyl)-, chlorovinylarsine dichloride, 2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine, beta-chlorovinyldichloroarsine, dichloro-(2-chlorovinyl)arsine, EA1034. Synonyms for Mustard-Lewisite include HL and Sulfur Mustard/Lewisite.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Ammonia (NH3) Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. Synonyms include ammonia gas, anhydrous ammonia, and liquid ammonia. Aqueous solutions are referred to as aqueous ammonia, ammonia solution, and ammonium hydroxide.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Nerve Agents: Tabun (GA), Sarin (GB), Soman (GD), and VX Chemical Protocol

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  "Nerve agents are the most toxic of the known chemical warfare agents. They are chemically similar to organophosphate pesticides and exert their biological effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase enzymes. G-type agents are clear, colorless, and tasteless liquids that are miscible in water and most organic solvents. GB [Sarin] is odorless and is the most volatile nerve agent; however, it evaporates at about the same rate as water. GA [Tabun] has a slightly fruity odor, and GD [Soman] has a slight camphor-like odor. VX is a clear, amber-colored, odorless, oily liquid. It is miscible with water and soluble in all solvents. It is the least volatile nerve agent."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Malathion (C10H19O6PS2) Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. Synonyms include S-[1,2-Di(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl]O,O-dimethyl-phosphorothioate, diethyl (dimethoxyphosphinothioylthio) succinate, and a variety of trade names such as Cekumal, Cythion, Fosfothion, Fyfafon, Malixol, Maltox, Sadophos, and Zithiol.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Phosgene Oxime (CHCl2NO) Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. Synonyms include dichloroformoxime; CX.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Unidentified Chemical - Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description for protocols related to unknown chemical agents, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Blister Agents: Sulfur Mustard Agent H or HD (C4H8Cl2S) and Sulfur Mustard Agent HT Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. H and HD: Bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide; bis(beta-chloroethyl) sulfide; di-2-chloroethyl sulfide; 1-chloro-2(beta-chloroethylthio)ethane; 2,2'-dichloroethyl sulfide; sulfur mustard; Iprit; Kampstoff "Lost"; mustard gas; senfgas, S-yperite; yellow cross liquid; yperite HT: Mixture of bis(2-chloroethyl) sulfide and bis[2-(2-chloroethylthio)-ethyl]ether

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Blister Agents: Nitrogen Mustard (HN-1) (C6H13Cl2N), Nitrogen Mustard (HN-2) (C5H11Cl2N), and Nitrogen Mustard (HN-3) (C6H12Cl3N) Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. HN-1: Bis(2-chloroethyl)ethylamine; 2-chloro-N-(2-chloroethyl)-N-ethylethanamine; 2,2'-dichlorotriethylamine; ethylbis(2-chloroethyl)amine; ethyl-S HN-2: MBA; mechlorethamine; mustine; 2,2'-dichloro-N-methyldiethylamine; dichloren; caryolysin; mechlorethanamine; chlormethine; bis(2-chloroethyl)methylamine HN-3: Tris(2-chloroethyl)amine; 2-chloro-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)ethanamine; 2,2',2"-trichlorotriethylamine

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Ethylene Oxide ([CH2]2O) Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. Synonyms include dimethylene oxide, 1,2-epoxyethane, EtO, EO, ethene oxide, and oxirane.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents, Volume I (Revised): Emergency Medical Services: A Planning Guide for the Management of Contaminated Patients

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  This is the first of a three volume set on Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents. It is divided into three sections - 1. Systems Approach to Planning, 2. Emergency Medical Services Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents, and 3. Response and Patient Management. The presence of hazardous materials or toxic chemicals at an incident location or other emergency situation adds a new dimension of risk to those handling and treating casualties. The fundamental difference between a hazardous materials incident and other emergencies is the potential for acute risk from contamination to both patient and responder. This volume, written for emergency response personnel, is designed to familiarize readers with the terminology, concepts, and key operational considerations that affect the proper management of incidents of chemical contamination. It is designed not only to present uniform guidance for the emergency care of chemically contaminated patients, but also to provide basic information necessary to comprehensive planning and implementation of EMS strategies. It is intended to illustrate the characteristics of hazardous materials (hazmat) incidents that compel emergency response personnel to modify their preparations and response procedures. Not all hospitals and community emergency response systems are prepared to respond to a hazardous chemical incident to the same degree. This document may be used to assess the capabilities of EMS with respect to potential community hazards and to develop response plans using national and community-specific resources. Employee safety and training are also key factors in effective management of medical emergencies. This document is intended to provide source material for developing local training and safety protocols.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents, Volume II (Revised): Hospital Emergency Departments: A Planning Guide for the Management of Contaminated Patients

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  This is the second of a three volume set on Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents. This document is divided into three sections - 1. Systems Approach to Planning, 2. Emergency Department Response to Hazardous Materials Incidents, and 3. Patient Management. Current training curricula for emergency room physicians and nurses and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) often do not adequately prepare these professionals to manage the contaminated individual or to decontaminate patients exposed to toxic substances. Accurate, specific, and concise guidance is needed to describe appropriate procedures to be followed by emergency medical personnel to safely care for a patient, as well as to protect equipment, hospital personnel, patients, and others from risk of secondary exposure. This volume, written for emergency department personnel, is designed to familiarize readers with the concepts, terminology, and key operational considerations that affect the management of incidents of chemical contamination. It presents uniform guidance for the emergency care of chemically contaminated patients; provides basic information critical to advance planning and implementation of emergency medical strategies; illustrates the characteristics of hazardous materials incidents that compel modifications to traditional emergency response procedures; and presents effective preparatory response actions.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents, Volume III (revised): Medical Management Guidlelines for Acute Chemical Exposures

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  This is the third of a three volume set on Managing Hazardous Materials Incidents. This document covers the protocols for medical professionals on a number of chemical agents: Acrolein, Acrylonitrile, Ammonia, Aniline, Arsenic Trioxide, Arsine, Benzene, Blister Agent (L, HL), Blister Agent (HN-1, HN-2, HN-3), Blister Agent (H, HD, HT), Butadiene, Carbon Disulfide, Calcium Hypochlorite/Sodium, Hypochlorite, Chlordane, Chlorine, Crotonaldehyde, Diborane, Ethylene Dibromide, Elemental Mercury, Ethylene Glycol, Ethylene Oxide, Formaldehyde, Gasoline, Hydrogen Chloride, Hydrogen Cyanide, Hydrogen Fluoride, Hydrogen Peroxide, Hydrogen Sulfide, Malathion, Methyl Bromide, Methylene Chloride, Methyl Isocyanate, Methyl Mercaptan, Nerve Agents (GA, GB, GD, VX), Nitrogen Oxides, Parathion, Phenol, Phosgene, Phosphine, Phosgene Oxime, Selenium Hexafluoride, Sodium Hydroxide, Sulfur Dioxide, Tetrachloroethylene, Toluene, Toluene Diisocyanate, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene, Unidentified Chemical, Vinyl Chloride, and Xylene

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• Acrolein (C3H4O) Chemical Protocol

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  Very comprehensive description of the chemical agent, with coverage on many important aspects, including information on routes of exposure, sources and uses, exposure limits, physical characteristics, patient management, decontamination and treatment, incident reporting. Synonyms include 2-propenal, 2-propen-1-one, prop-2-en-1-al, acraldehyde, acrylaldehyde, acrylic aldehyde, allyl aldehyde, ethylene aldehyde, aqualine.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2000
• HHS Emergency Response: Mid-day Report [September 12, 2001]

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  "HHS [United States Department of Health and Human Services] Secretary Tommy G. Thompson said today his department is on the ground and actively helping in recovery efforts in New York City and Washington, D.C. The Secretary spent much of the day briefing congressional leaders on what the department is doing in response to this crisis, as well as ensuring that resources were getting where they are needed."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2001-09-12
• Field Manual for Mental Health and Human Service Workers in Major Disasters

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  "This Field Manual is intended for mental health workers and other human service providers who assist survivors following a disaster. This pocket reference provides the basics of disaster mental health, with numerous specific and practical suggestions for workers. Essential information about disaster survivors' reactions and needs is included. 'Helping' skills are described with guidance for when to refer for professional assistance. Strategies for worker stress prevention and management are presented in the last section."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  DeWolfe, Deborah J.

  2000
• HHS Sends Emergency Medical Supplies to New York City in First-ever Use of National Pharmaceutical Stockpile [September 11, 2001]

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  "HHS [Health and Human Services] Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today authorized the first emergency use of the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile, drawing on the 2-year-old rapid response program to provide special aid to New York City. The decision will result in delivery of substantial supplies to support medical personnel caring for victims of the airplane attack on the World Trade Center today."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2001-09-11
• HHS Launches Initial Medical Relief Response to New York, Pentagon Emergencies [September 11, 2001]

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  "HHS [Health and Human Services] Secretary Tommy G. Thompson this morning activated the National Disaster Medical System, putting medical teams nationwide at the ready to be sent to assist local areas in responding to medical emergencies. This is the first time the federally-coordinated response system has been activated on a full nationwide basis. The Secretary's action means 80 Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) located throughout the country are prepared to be deployed, with 7,000 private sector medical and support personnel ready to be dispatched. HHS is working with other federal agencies and local health officials to assess specific needs in New York City and the Washington, D.C., area in order to direct units where their particular expertise and resources are needed."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2001-09-11
• HHS Dispatches Initial Emergency Personnel and Supplies [September 11, 2001]

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  "HHS [Health and Human Services] Secretary Tommy G. Thompson this afternoon dispatched the first emergency medical and mortuary teams to the New York City and Washington, D.C., areas to assist emergency personnel and local health providers in caring for victims of the airplane attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. In addition, Secretary Thompson provided for an emergency shipment of medical supplies to New York City. The initial units included more than 300 medical and mortuary personnel. Additional disaster units will be provided to the areas as specific needs are identified, Secretary Thompson said. Earlier in the day, Secretary Thompson made all federal disaster medical units nationwide ready to be dispatched where needed. 1) Four Disaster Medical Assistance Teams (DMATs) are being sent to Stewart National Guard Base, Newburg, NY., with one DMAT each coming from New Jersey (Lyons, N.J.), and New York (White Plains), and two from Massachusetts (Boston and Worcester). 2) Three DMATs are being dispatched to the Anacostia Receiving Center in Washington, D.C., with one each coming from the Washington , D.C., area (Rockville, Md.), North Carolina (Winston-Salem), and Georgia (Atlanta)."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2001-09-11
• Combating the Silent Epidemic: Action Plan for the Prevention, Care & Treatment of Viral Hepatitis

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  "Viral hepatitis is a silent epidemic in the United States. Although it is a leading infectious cause of death and claims the lives of 12,000--15,000 Americans each year, viral hepatitis remains virtually unknown to the general public, at-risk populations, and policymakers; even health-care providers lack knowledge and awareness about these infections. As a consequence, most of the 3.5-5.3 million Americans living with viral hepatitis do not know that they are infected, placing them at greater risk for severe, even fatal, complications from the disease and increasing the likelihood that they will spread the virus to others. Viral hepatitis is a major cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in the United States; persons living with viral hepatitis are at increased risk for both conditions."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2011-05
• Assessment of the Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on the Juvenile Justice System

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  "When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast in August of 2005, the juvenile justice systems in the impacted states were responsible for the welfare of approximately 16,000 youth under their supervision and custody. This report looks at what became of these youth--specifically, how jurisdictions responded to the monumental challenges posed by the storms, what lessons were learned, and how these lessons can be applied to improve the system's response to future catastrophes. The information on which this report is based comes directly from juvenile justice professionals who were on duty during and in the aftermath of the storms. Their stories were gathered during a series of nine focus groups conducted between mid-February and early March of 2006 as part of a 'hurricane impact assessment' designed and implemented by ICF Caliber under a contract with the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP). The purpose of the assessment was to determine the impact of the storms on the lives of justice-involved youth by gathering an oral history of the chain of events leading up to and following the hurricanes, drawing on the perspectives of state and local professionals both in storm-impacted areas and in areas impacted by massive relocation. This report synthesizes the experiences and lessons learned gathered from focus group participants under five 'Key Findings.' Each finding is accompanied by recommendations to OJJDP regarding how to support jurisdictions and states impacted by the storms in their recovery from the past crisis, and how to help jurisdictions nationwide prepare effectively for future crises of similar magnitude."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  Yeres, Susan; Andrews, Susan J.

  2006
• Vaccines.gov: Glossary

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  This page provides explanations of many terms and acronyms used throughout" the Vaccines.gov website. Select the beginning letter of the word or acronym to go to that portion of the glossary.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services
• Indiana Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas

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  This map shows where there is a shortage of mental health professionals in Indiana.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2009-01
• Indiana Medically Underserved Areas and Populations

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  This map details where the medically undeserved populations in Indiana are located.

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2009-01
• Disaster Information Management Research Center: Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Radiation Event - March 2011

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  "The National Library of Medicine [NLM] has resources that may help with understanding the health issues related to the devastating Japan earthquake, tsunami and possible nuclear power plant disruptions. Resources from NLM, US federal agencies, and other key resources are listed..."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2011-03
• Remarks by HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson at Press Conference: Announcing HHS Emergency Response [September 12, 2001]

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  From the statement of United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson: "I would like to update you on what the Department of Health and Human Services is doing to assist New York and the Washington, D.C., metropolitan areas in the wake of yesterday's terrorist attacks. We have a long way to go, but we have begun the healing process in America by acting quickly and aggressively to help those in need. We began preparing when the first reports came in from New York, and we mobilized as soon as state and local officials let us know what they needed. That is our role - to help state and local governments in any way possible. HHS medical personnel and support staff are on the ground, helping provide the initial care as we cope with this tragedy. Now, let me detail what precisely we are doing. From the moment we learned of these attacks, the Department of Health and Human Services began readying teams and resources to send to New York City and the Washington area to meet any needs of state and local officials. We have worked closely with officials at all levels from the start. I have spoken several times with Governor Ptaki, Governor Gilmore and Mayor Guliani and have vowed to offer whatever assistance they need. They know more resources are only a phone call away. Our Office of Emergency Preparedness has deployed 328 medical personnel from disaster readiness teams to Washington, D.C. and New York areas. The OEP also has deployed about 270 mortuary services personnel."

  United States. Department of Health and Human Services

  2001-09-12