WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Ben Luján (D-NM), Tim Scott (R-SC), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced The Centers for Public Health Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act to improve communication in public health preparedness and response. The bill designates regional academic and medical centers as research and communication hubs that disseminate public health information during a public health emergency.
“This bill is about science preparing us for the next pandemic,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We need to increase coordination and better communicate with the American people.”
“Looking back on the world’s management of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear that accurate and uniform public information is vital to the development of treatment options and overall success of the response to rapidly evolving pandemics,” said Senator Marshall. “The ultimate goal is to have every entity involved in emergency preparedness and response armed with the same knowledge. This legislation designates medical research centers that can systematically share best evidence-based treatments and practices, in turn improving our nation’s readiness for the next public health emergency.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic quickly revealed that we need a clear, consistent response to public health emergencies that can be easily understood and followed,” said Senator Luján. “By creating a proactive network for medical centers, this legislation would improve the ability of health professionals across the country to provide a more comprehensive response that will keep our communities safe and healthy.”
Background
The Centers for Public Health Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act would reauthorize a program to establish a network of Centers for Public Health Preparedness and Response to:
- translate research findings or strategies into evidence-based practices
- improve awareness of these practices and other relevant scientific or public health information
- expand partnerships to improve public health preparedness and response
- provide technical assistance and expertise to state and local health departments
The Centers for Public Health Preparedness and Response Reauthorization Act is one of several initiatives under consideration by the Senate HELP Committee to improve the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pandemic response efforts.
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