For several years the CDC has utilized a document called the Local Technical Assistance Review (LTAR) for the evaluation of jurisdictions served under the Cities Readiness Initiative. We have seen continuing professionalization of the document and the proofs required to demonstrate the accomplishments.
Additionally, the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) has developed the Project Public Health Ready program, designed to certify states or local health districts as prepared. This new program is relatively soft, but will no doubt develop some teeth as it evolves and more districts/states take the program seriously.
I have completed gap analyses for the programs and have some issues to overcome. Primarily, I believe the public health service paradigm must shift to support the changing definition of service in emergencies.
I embrace these changes. The ability to demonstrate to the public (in the final analysis) that we are providing a real return on the investment is critical. The technical aspects of the planning process may appear wasteful until the hurricane, the ice storm or the less likely anthrax attack occurs.
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Project Public Health Ready is not a new program. It was originally developed by NACCHO and CDC in 2003 and has evolved over the course of the last 6 years. It is the only set of national standards for local public health preparedness.
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