Logistics modelling: improving resource management and public information strategies in Florida

J Bus Contin Emer Plan. 2011 Oct;5(3):246-56.

Abstract

One of the most time-sensitive and logistically-challenging emergency response operations today is to provide mass prophylaxis to every man, woman and child in a community within 48 hours of a bioterrorism attack. To meet this challenge, federal, state and local public health departments in the USA have joined forces to develop, test and execute large-scale bioterrorism response plans. This preparedness and response effort is funded through the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Cities Readiness Initiative, a programme dedicated to providing oral antibiotics to an entire population within 48 hours of a weaponised inhalation anthrax attack. This paper will demonstrate how the State of Florida used a logistics modelling tool to improve its CRI mass prophylaxis plans. Special focus will be on how logistics modelling strengthened Florida's resource management policies and validated its public information strategies.

MeSH terms

  • Anthrax / prevention & control*
  • Bioterrorism*
  • Disaster Planning*
  • Florida
  • Health Resources / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Information Dissemination
  • Models, Organizational
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis / organization & administration*
  • Workflow*