In Brief
New Bioterrorism Training Materials from NWCPHP
The Northwest Center for Public Health Practice has recently produced a series of bioterrorism preparedness training materials for health workers. The series, Preparing for and Responding to Bioterrorism: Information for Primary Care Clinicians, consists of seven PowerPoint® slide sets, each accompanied by a detailed instructor's manual, that address the medical and public health aspects of bioterrorism.
In the wake of the 2001 anthrax attacks, health officials have been flooded with requests to deliver presentations on bioterrorism preparedness and response at community forums, clinical conferences, business meetings, and other public venues. Potential instructors and trainers have been handicapped, however, by a lack of up-to-date, basic orientation resources on bioterrorism preparedness and response.
This new training tool covers anthrax, smallpox, plague and botulism, tularemia, and the psychological aftermath of a bioterrorism event, as well as a general overview of preparedness for and response to bioterrorism.
The slide sets are flexible and can be customized for local community needs. Included in each slide set and instructor's manual is a list of resources, references, and contacts for further information on bioterrorism preparedness and response. The Center is producing a similar series for public health professionals.
Following pilot testing, the slide presentations and the instructor's manuals will be available to be downloaded from the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice Web site (www.nwcphp.org).
New Leadership Institute for Public Health Practice
The Northwest Public Health Leadership Institute (NWPHLI) is offering a yearlong certificate program to develop a cadre of skilled and reflective leaders in promoting community health in the Northwest. The program will increase participants' collaborative leadership skills through on-site and distance-learning opportunities guided by practice-based faculty.
Scholars from diverse backgrounds (government, public health, community health centers, community hospitals, community-based organizations, social services agencies, and justice and law enforcement agencies) will work together to develop leadership skills to apply in their organizations and communities with a goal of creating integrated and innovative approaches to fostering healthy communities. The curriculum is organized around six content modules, including challenges to public health, reflective and visionary leadership, crisis leadership, organizational and systems leadership, collaborative leadership and community building, and developing leadership in others.
The Institute is the product of a partnership among the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice at the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Portland State University, and the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Applications are now being accepted for the first cohort of Institute scholars. (The application deadline for 2003-2004 is October 31, 2002.) Scholar selection will be announced in January 2003. The first on-site session will be March 30-April 2, with two following sessions October 12-15, 2003, and May 2-4, 2004.
Application materials and additional information about NWPHLI are available at http://nwcphp.org/training/leadership-institute, or contact Cindy Watts, PhD, Director, Northwest Public Health Leadership Institute, by e-mail at watts@u.washington.edu.
