October 6, 2005
Statewide Consortium Led By Nsu Receives $4.2 Million Grant From HRSA For Disaster Preparedness
NSU College of Osteopathic Medicine leads consortium for education in areas of
natural disasters, bioterrorism, agroterrorism and weapons of mass destruction
FORT LAUDERDALE-DAVIE, FL. -- As the third most populous state in the nation, Florida's response to public health emergencies, natural disasters and other hazards can mean the difference between life and death for millions of people. Particularly vulnerable are special populations —such as persons with mental and physical disabilities, children, elderly, pregnant women, the homeless, and the visitor or part-time resident —in Florida this number represents more than 63 percent of the state's total population.
The U.S. Public Health Services' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded a three-year, $4.2 million grant to a consortium spearheaded by Nova Southeastern University's College of Osteopathic Medicine (NSU-COM), in partnership with Broward Community College. NSU-COM's Center for Bioterrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness will prepare the local health care workforce to react efficiently and skillfully in the event of an emergency.
“ Florida is vulnerable to potential acts of terrorism and natural disasters, and our health professionals need to be able to react effectively. This unique program will help doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others in the medical field address their professional and community obligations, and potentially save a great number of lives in the process,” said James D. Howell, M.D., MPH, project director. “Those trained through this program will be able to respond to a catastrophic event, and act in the public's best interest without under- or overplaying a crisis situation.”
In the first year the grant will help increase awareness levels for approximately 7,800 healthcare workers, staff and volunteers. Coursework will include web-based components and be offered in both English and Spanish.
“All told, more than 30,000 health professionals at all levels will receive training through this HRSA grant,” said NSU Health Professions Division Chancellor, Fred Lippman, R.Ph., Ed.D. “This program will create a measurable, competency-based model which will be a leader in the state, and quite possibly, in the nation.”
In years two and three of the grant, in-depth training will be made available to a wider array of health professionals. The curriculum will include exercises with personnel trained to simulate casualty victims and events, as well as more advanced train-the-trainer methods developed to teach the curriculum in a standardized format. Additionally, a Web site will be created to serve as a one-stop, easy to update site for health professionals.
“We are looking forward to being a dynamic partner within this consortium and working with NSU and the local health care community to address the need for continuing education in our emerging health care workforce,” said Larry A. Calderon, president, Broward Community College.
Partners in the consortium include: Broward Community College, Healthcare Corporation of America – JFK Medical Center, Holy Cross Healthcare System, Lee Memorial Healthcare System, Memorial Healthcare Systems, North Broward Hospital District, NSU- Area Health Education Centers and NSU-COM. Efforts will also be coordinated closely with the Florida Department of Health and local health departments.
