HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES 

CDC FUNDING FOR A HEALTH ALERT NETWORK TO IMPROVE LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT RESPONSE TO PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCIES

WHEREAS, local public health departments are the nation’s first line of defense against epidemics of infectious and chronic disease, as well as emergencies caused by food-borne disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and potential acts of bioterrorism; and

WHEREAS, the resources of local health departments are strained to the limit and the knowledge base for local public health practice grows more complex each day; and

WHEREAS, rapid access to necessary expertise and instantaneous exchange of vital information is essential in responding to public health emergencies, and

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the U.S. Conference of Mayors supports and appropriation of federal funds through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sufficient to establish a national Health Alert network that will directly assist local public health departments with the training and technology to respond in timely and effective manner to public health emergencies.