Response to Bioterrorism

LBMC Responds to the Threat of Bioterrorism

All of us have been shaken by the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 and the more recent threat of bioterrorism against our society. Through it all we are stronger as a nation and closer as a community.

Long Beach Medical Center is preparing to meet these threats should they occur. We have responded by:

	Updating our disaster plans to respond to the new threats.
	Increasing stock levels of antibiotics and other medical supplies.
	Providing education to physicians in the community on the diagnosis and treatment of biological agents.
	Extending the services of our Counseling Center to provide walk-in services for those experiencing difficulty coping with the recent national tragedy.
	Providing an educational program at the West School, teaching parents how to help their children cope with the recent trauma.
	Remaining in daily contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State, New York City, and Nassau County Departments of Health to receive the most up-to-date information on events and the recommended responses.

Although everyone is concerned about recent incidents of Anthrax exposure and the continued threat, we must go on with our lives and follow the recommendations of our public health officials.

The CDC and the New York State Department of Health strongly recommend against stockpiling antibiotics, as the inappropriate use of antibiotics is not without risk. Using antibiotics unnecessarily may cause serious adverse reactions including, diarrhea, abdominal symptoms, rash, allergic reactions and potentially dangerous interference with other medications. Inappropriate use of antibiotics may cause the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of common bacterial diseases. Additionally, stockpiling could lead to shortages of national supplies for routine or emergency use.

The public health system is on a heightened sense of alert for any diseases that may come from a biological attack. In the event of an outbreak, a rapid investigation would be conducted to identify persons who were exposed who need antibiotics to prevent illness. We are advised that the Federal Government has stockpiled antibiotics and could deliver these medications rapidly if they were needed.

Sincerely,
Douglas L. Melzer,
Chief Executive Officer