Sister Cities Reading
MERS Search: Disease Detectives Beat Bushes for Virus
From Abstract: The Middle East respiratory syndrome virus (MERS) has infected more than 500 people since it was first identified in 2012, spread to 16 countries, including at least three cases in the United States, and killed about a quarter of its victims.
Fox, Maggie. "MERS Search: Disease Detectives Beat Bushes for Virus." NBC News, 19 May 2014. Web.
Air pollution ‘major cause of death’ in all London boroughs
From Abstract: The top ten categories of deaths in London boroughs have been listed for the first time, with campaign group Clean Air in London (CAL) claiming air pollution is a major cause in a majority of these categories.
Holder, Michael. "Air pollution ‘major cause of death’ in all London boroughs." Air Quality News, 10 Jan 2014. Web.
Live Link: http://www.airqualitynews.com/2014/01/10/air-pollution-major-cause-of-death-in-all-london-boroughs/
U.S., China conduct Disaster Management Exchange
From Abstract: Soldiers from United States Army Pacific, Hawaii Army National Guard and Army Corps of Engineers along with representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency participated with the People's Liberation Army in a Disaster Management Exchange, Nov. 12 -14 at Marine Corps Training Area-Bellows, Hawaii. The 2013 DME is a subject matter expert exchange focused on an international Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operation.
USARPAC Public Affairs. "U.S., China conduct Disaster Management Exchange." U.S. Army, 20 Nov 2013. Web.
Live Link: http://www.army.mil/article/115267/U_S___China_conduct_Disaster_Management_Exchange/
Aid continues pouring to coastal cities stricken by Typhoon Haiyan
From Abstract: There have been complaints that aid after the typhoon has arrived slowly, but a massive Philippines aid effort supplemented by military support from the US and other countries is starting to make a dent.
Kordunsky, Anna. "Aid continues pouring to coastal cities stricken by Typhoon Haiyan." CS Monitor, 15 Nov 2013. Web.
Surveillance is key in managing bird flu and other pandemics
From Abstract: In order to keep humans safe, enhanced focus on timely detection, prompt reporting of new cases, and collaborations among governments are necessary in a consistent and systematic manner, on a global scale.
Blanchard, Kathleen. "Surveillance is key in managing bird flu and other pandemics." Emax Health, 14 Nov 2013. Web.
World Bank Releases Funds For Disease Surveillance In West Africa
From Abstract: The World Bank says it has provided $10 million grant to improve disease surveillance and response systems in ECOWAS countries. The Bank announced October 31, 2013 that it has given the grant to the Africa Catalytic Growth Fund for the project known as the West Africa Regional Disease Surveillance Capacity Strengthening Project.
Quandzie, Ekow. "World Bank Releases Funds For Disease Surveillance In West Africa." Spy Ghana, 10 Nov 2013. Web.
Live Link: http://www.spyghana.com/world-bank-releases-funds-for-disease-surveillance-in-west-africa/
Global cities boom raises threat of natural disasters
From Abstract: As more people move to cities, the world’s susceptibility to natural disasters is increasing, warns a new report from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Yeo, Sophie. "Global cities boom raises threat of natural disasters." RTCC, 18 Oct 2013. Web.
Live Link: http://www.rtcc.org/2013/10/17/global-cities-boom-raises-threat-of-natural-disasters/
Resilient Cities from Ahmedabad to Atlantic City Actively Prepare for Climate Change
From Abstract: President Obama’s executive order calling for federal agencies to build resilience against extreme weather is a fitting response on the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy. Climate change knows no boundaries and as its impacts become more widespread, key efforts at all levels of government are critical to address this growing global problem. Particularly vulnerable countries like India are similarly taking action to protect its people by preparing for present and future climate-related disasters.
Jaiswal, Anjali. "Resilient Cities from Ahmedabad to Atlantic City Actively Prepare for Climate Change." Switch Board, 4 Nov 2013. Web.
Live Link: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/ajaiswal/resilient_cities_from_ahmedaba.html
Auditors urge better disaster preparedness
From Abstract: Economic losses from disasters are rising. In the 20 years to 2012 disasters caused an estimated US $2 trillion in damage, more than the total of development aid in that period. Climate change further increases disaster risks. To limit the human and economic cost of disasters countries must invest in preparedness and be held to account. INTOSAI, the world’s organization of supreme audit institutions, is launching initiatives to step up the auditing of disaster preparedness and disaster-related aid.
Europa Press Release Database. "Auditors urge better disaster preparedness." Europa.eu, 11 Oct 2013. Web.
Live Link: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ECA-13-33_en.htm
Are we prepared for disaster?
From Abstract: According to the Global Report on Disaster Risk, Nepal ranks in the 11th position in terms of earthquake risk. Professionals worry that a catastrophe will ensue after a major quake, as the country lacks disaster preparedness and thorough planning in core as well as sub-urban areas.
From Abstract: Governments must step up efforts to protect the poor from natural disasters if they are to have any real chance of ending extreme poverty. New research from the London-based Overseas Development Institute (ODI) found that, in 2030, up to 325 million extremely poor people will be living in the 49 countries most exposed to climate extremes and natural hazards – including floods, droughts, storms and earthquakes. Most of them will be in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.
Rowling, Megan. "Africa: World Won't End Poverty Without Tackling Disasters." All Africa, 16 Oct 2013. Web.
Live Link: http://allafrica.com/stories/201310160785.html
Global Disaster Preparedness Woefully Underfunded
From abstract: 180,000 people move to urban areas every day. As the world’s population gravitates more and more towards urban centres, we are leaving ourselves increasingly exposed to natural disasters. Three quarters of the world’s largest cities are by the sea, leaving them exposed to flooding and preparedness for possible disasters is undefunded throughout the world.
Information Daily. "Global Disaster Preparedness Woefully Underfunded." Information Daily, 18 Oct 2013. Web.
Live Link: http://www.theinformationdaily.com/2013/10/18/global-disaster-preparedness-woefully-underfunded
European Court of Auditors Urge Better Disaster Preparedness
From abstract: "On the occasion of the United Nations International Day for Disaster Reduction, the European Court of Auditors announced that new guidelines will be formulated for audit institutions to improve the state of disaster risk reduction around the world."
European Union. "European Court Auditors Urge Better Disaster Preparedness." Prevention Web, 11 Oct 2013. Web.
Live Link: http://www.preventionweb.net/english/professional/news/v.php?id=35061
Designing Resilience: Preparing for Extreme Events
From abstract: “Individual case studies, including Hurricane Katrina in the United States, the London bombings, and French preparedness for the Avian flu, are analyzed to determine effective and ineffective strategies.”
Comfort, L., Boin, A., & Demchak, C. “Designing resilience: Preparing for extreme events.” University of Pittsburgh Press 2010.
Live link: http://search.proquest.com/docview/831091300?accountid=14512
Progress and shortcomings in European national strategic plans for pandemic influenza
Assessment of Europe’s national pandemic influenza preparedness plans and the progress that has been made, as well as the shortcoming that still need to be dealt with.
Jack, S. M., Jas, R., & Coker, R. “Progress and shortcomings in european national strategic plans for pandemic influenza.” Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 85:12 (2010), 923-929.
Live link: http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/85/12/06-039834.pdf
Looking beyond Individual Preparedness: Civic Infrastructure Engagement and Disaster Resilience
From abstract: “The initial findings from the resilience project & this planning process pilot will illuminate strategies for community and civic infrastructure engagement in disaster planning, principles and indicators of community disaster resilience. An emerging web-based, interactive framework for community-driven risk and resilience management planning will be described.” (
Cox, Robin S. “Looking Beyond Individual Preparedness: Civic Infrastructure Engagement and Disaster Resilience.” 2010.
Live link: http://search.proquest.com/socabs/docview/743067782/140FAA6076347B19D71/3?accountid=14512
Transforming an Academic Military Treatment Facility Into a Trauma Center: Lessons Learned From Operation Iraqi Freedom
From abstract: “A multidisciplinary approach transformed an existing medical center into a trauma receiving hospital capable of managing and maintaining a surge in patient admissions resulting in minimal morbidity and mortality. This model further supports a multidisciplinary approach to trauma care and could serve as a guideline for transforming existing medical centers into trauma receiving hospitals to deal with patient overflow in the event of future civilian mass casualties.”
Elster, Eric A.. MD. “Transforming an Academic Military Treatment Facility Into a Trauma Center: Lessons Learned From Operation Iraqi Freedom.” Eplasty 9:31 (2009) n. pag.
Live link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2719496/
Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication in a Pandemic: A Model for Building Capacity and Resilience of Minority Communities
From abstract: “Recognizing that targeting messages to specific groups poses significant difficulties at that time, this article proposes a model of community engagement, disaster risk education, and crisis and emergency risk communication to prepare minority communities and government agencies to work effectively in a pandemic, build the capacity of each to respond, and strengthen the trust that is critical at such moments.”
Crouse Quinn, S. “Crisis and emergency risk communication in a pandemic: A model for building capacity and resilience of minority communities.” Health Promotion Practice, 9:4, 18S-25S.
Live link: http://search.proquest.com/pais/docview/621652501/140FA43DF1F3865CA74/2?accountid=14512
How prepared are Americans for public health emergencies? Twelve communities weigh in
From abstract: “Discusses emergency preparedness in metropolitan areas of the US since Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, focusing on federal funding, prior experience with other public health emergencies, and challenges. Some focus on Syracuse, New York; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Orange County, California.”
McHugh, M., & others, a. “How prepared are americans for public health emergencies? twelve communities weigh in.” Health Affairs, 23:3 (2009), 201-209.
Live link: http://search.proquest.com/docview/58854890?accountid=14512
Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism
From abstract: “In addition, the report concludes that major gaps remain in many critical areas of preparedness, including surge capacity, rapid disease detection, and food safety; and it contains state-by-state health preparedness scores based on 10 key indicators.”
Levi, J., Vinter, S., St Laurent, R., & Segal, L. M. “Ready or not? protecting the public's health from diseases, disasters, and bioterrorism.” Trust for America's Health 2008.
Live link: http://search.proquest.com/docview/58803390?accountid=14512
Blackout of 2003: public health effects and emergency response
From abstract: “We examined the public health effects of the Northeast blackout of August 2003 and the emergency response to the blackout by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH). We reviewed departmental documents from the DOHMH Emergency Operations Center and surveyed DOHMH employees to identify deficiencies in the response and elicit suggestions for improvement.”
Beatty, Mark E., et al. "Blackout of 2003: Public Health Effects and Emergency Response." Public health reports 121.1 (2006): 36-44.
Live link: http://search.proquest.com/docview/59947087?accountid=14512
A state-based analysis of public health preparedness programs in the United States
From abstract: “Given the national effort to respond to the challenge of terrorism post-9/11, this study examined the organizational structure of state public health preparedness programs across the country, their administration, and the personnel and resources supported through federal cooperative agreements and state funds.”
Beitsch, L. M., Kodolikar, S., Stephens, T., Shodell, D., Clawson, A., Menachemi, N., & Brooks, R. G. “A state-based analysis of public health preparedness programs in the united states.“ Public Health Reports, 121:6 (2006), 737-745.
Live link: http://search.proquest.com/docview/58728203?accountid=14512
The experience at St. Vincent's Hospital, Manhattan, on September 11, 2001: preparedness, response, and lessons learned
From abstract: “Here, we outline the Emergency Management External Disaster Plan of St. Vincent's Hospital and discuss the time course of presentation and medical characteristics of the critically injured patients on that day. We describe how the critical care service adapted to the specific challenges presented and the lessons that we learned. We hope to provide other critical care systems with a framework for response to such large-scale disasters.”
Kirschenbaum, L. “The experience at St. Vincent's Hospital, Manhattan, on September 11, 2001: preparedness, response, and lessons learned.” Critical Care Medicine 33:1 (2005) S48-S52.
Live link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15640679