Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Today, more than a year since Hurricane Katrina, major threats of pandemic, terrorism and natural catastrophe remain concerns for first responders in public health communities, and also for businesses, schools, families and individuals.

If 2006 was a year of post-Katrina healing and re-educating professionals who deal with diverse challenges in public health emergencies, 2007 is a time for reinforcing first response initiatives among our nation’s communities, healthcare organizations and businesses.

Public health crisis arising in a pandemic or other catastrophe will test the effectiveness of healthcare providers, first responders and organizations of virtually every kind. A public disaster, whether natural or man-made, likely will mandate closings of many public and private facilities. Organizations may experience high percentages of employee absenteeism. Businesses may encounter related challenges and potential liabilities.

Coordination of public and private resources by decision-makers in first response communities is based in part on knowing the legal roles, powers and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the response network.

Legal issues arising in public health crisis and related business challenges are extensive. These may involve corporate governance and liability, risk management, application of OSHA requirements, insurance coverage and other concerns, both practical and moral.

The MidAmerica Public Health Law Emergency Response Committee hopes the information available on this site and via links to other resources are valuable for people who want to learn about crucial issues arising in public health crisis and developing preparedness strategies.

We welcome your feedback. To submit information or make an inquiry, please feel free to contact me via email at or by calling 314.615.6207. Thank you.

Cordially,

David J. Massa, Chairman
MidAmerica Public Health Law Emergency Response Committee
St. Louis, Missouri