Dawn E. Rowe

Homeland Biological Warfare Consequence Management: Capabilities and Needs Assessment Dawn E. Rowe

In recent years, concern over potential terrorist WMD acts in the U. S has blossomed. Since 1995, the U. S. has passed legislation and published presidential decision directives designed to address the U. S. capabilities to respond to such an incident. Additionally, millions of dollars have been spent on domestic preparedness. Yet the numerous agencies involved (FEMA, DoJ, DoD, HHS, etc.) make a comprehensive, organized solution to the problem difficult. Focusing on the consequence management functions (incident identification, unity of effort, containment, treatment, security, fatality management and social response), the capabilities and shortfalls of local, state and federal assets are examined. This paper highlights significant progress in areas including treatment supply stockpiles and surge capability by the federal government and National Guard to support local efforts.