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Comparative Study
. 2017 Sep;107(S2):S200-S207.
doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2017.304037.

Improvements in State and Local Planning for Mass Dispensing of Medical Countermeasures: The Technical Assistance Review Program, United States, 2007-2014

Paul G Renard Jr  1 , Sara J Vagi  1 , Chris M Reinold  1 , Brenda L Silverman  1 , Rachel N Avchen  1
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Improvements in State and Local Planning for Mass Dispensing of Medical Countermeasures: The Technical Assistance Review Program, United States, 2007-2014

Paul G Renard Jr et al. Am J Public Health. 2017 Sep.

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate and describe outcomes of state and local medical countermeasure preparedness planning, which is critical to ensure rapid distribution and dispensing of a broad spectrum of life-saving medical assets during a public health emergency.

Methods: We used 2007 to 2014 state and local data collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Technical Assistance Review. We calculated descriptive statistics from 50 states and 72 local Cities Readiness Initiative jurisdictions that participated in the Technical Assistance Review annually.

Results: From 2007 to 2014, the average overall Technical Assistance Review score increased by 13% for states and 41% for Cities Readiness Initiative jurisdictions. In 2014, nearly half of states achieved the maximum possible overall score (100), and 94% of local Cities Readiness Initiative jurisdictions achieved a score of 90 or more.

Conclusions: Despite challenges, effective and timely medical countermeasure distribution and dispensing is possible with appropriate planning, staff, and resources. However, vigilance in training, exercising, and improving plans from lessons learned in a sustained, coordinated way is critical to ensure continued public health preparedness success.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Analysis of State Technical Assistance Review Scores by Function in 2007 Compared With 2014: United States Note. diff = difference; SNS =  Strategic National Stockpile; TAR = technical assistance review.
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Analysis of Local Cities Readiness Initiative Metropolitan Statistical Area Technical Assistance Review Scores by Function in 2007 Compared With 2014: United States Note. diff = difference; SNS =  Strategic National Stockpile; TAR = technical assistance review. aResponse rate is lower for Distribution, Treatment Center Coordination, and Receipt, Stage, Store because these functions were rated “Not Applicable” where appropriate for local jurisdiction.
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