The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) must maintain the capacity to protect the public's health by rapidly identifying and responding to any man-made or natural emergencies.  The PDPH Emergency Preparedness and Bioterrorism Program works to ensure the City is prepared to respond to a public health emergency by focusing on the following planning and preparedness areas: 

• Enhanced Surveillance to Detect Adverse Agents - early recognition of disease outbreaks
• Laboratory Capacity - access to state-of-the-art testing for critical biological and chemical agents that can cause human illness
• Mass Dispensing of Prophylactic Materials - plans for mass dispensing of medications and vaccines
• Testing and Evaluating Public Health Emergency Preparedness Plans - practicing, assessing, and refining the emergency plans
• Partnering with Government and Healthcare Organizations - coordinated efforts for security, staffing, and training for dispensing medical materials and services
• Communicating with Healthcare Providers - communication systems allow for coordination between the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, hospitals, and healthcare providers during public health emergencies
• Communicating with the Media, the Community, and Special Populations - broadcast communication systems allow for transmission of critical information to government agencies and the public
  

Visit www.phila.gov/ready for more information about preparedness.

• Frequently asked questions about bioterrorism
• Resources and other helpful links
• Medication Center / Point of Dispensing (POD) Video

To get more information about the Philadelphia Department of Public Health Bioterrorism and Emergency Preparedness Program call the Division of Disease Control at 215-685-6740.