Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.
Asha M. George, W. Craig Dr.P.H., M.S.P.H. Vanderwagen, M.D., RADM, (Co-Chair) USPHS Executive Director Bipartisan Commission (Co-Chair) on Biodefense Co-Founder and Director, East West Protection, LLC Letter from the Co-Chairs In 2024, the Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies was pleased to welcome Dr. Asha M. George as a new co-chair. Dr. George brings deep expertise in public health preparedness and biodefense, and we are confident that her leadership will further strengthen our collective efforts. As we reflect on 2024, the forum has continued to serve as a vital space for collaboration, discussion, and problem-solving in the ever-evolving field of preparedness and response. Throughout the year, the forum convened for three membership meetings, each dedicated to addressing pressing challenges, exploring innovative solutions, and engaging with multi-sectoral partners to strengthen the nationâs resilience. Our winter/spring meeting in February focused on the integration of social and behavioral science lessons from past public health emergencies into future preparedness strategies. In June, our summer meeting explored how medical and public health preparedness frameworks can better address climate-related disasters and compound risks. Our fall meeting in October examined key challenges and opportunities in trauma system integration, regional health care preparedness efforts, and mass casualty planning. In addition to our meetings, the forum hosted a series of impactful workshops, reaching thousands of participants. In July, the workshop Strengthening Indigenous America: Building Resilience Through Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery elevated the experiences, priorities, and best practices of Indigenous and Tribal communities in disaster preparedness and response. One of the yearâs most significant workshops, Enhancing the Resilience of Healthcare and Public Health Critical Infrastructure, held in December, brought together experts to assess vulnerabilities, including the impacts of extreme weather, cyber threats, and supply chain disruptions on health care and public health infrastructure, and to identify strategies for strengthening essential systems. The forumâs Action Collaborative on Disaster Research further advanced discussions on disaster data science and community-driven disaster research, convening key participants from government, academia, and frontline response organizations. It has been an honor to serve as co-chairs of this forum, and we extend our sincere gratitude to our members, sponsors, and partners. Your dedication and engagement have been instrumental in shaping meaningful discussions and driving progress in the field of medical and public health preparedness and response. Looking ahead to 2025, the forum remains committed to fostering collaboration, addressing gaps in preparedness, and driving forward innovative solutions. 2 | 2024 Annual Report
