The following Web site links are resources MHA recommends concerning emergency disaster preparedness:

• American Hospital Association's Emergency Readiness" section.
  
  
• The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, Inc., sells products and resources, including info on ordering an audio tape of Mike Osterholm, state epidemiologist.
  
  
• The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention addresses emergency preparedness and response.
  
  
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
  
  
• The Hospital Emergency Incident Command System, available through the California Emergency Medical Services Authority, helps unite hospitals with other emergency responders.
  
  
• This organizational chart from Hospital Emergency Incident Command System shows the key role of the public information officer. This Web site also has a "frequently asked questions" section: http://www.emsa.ca.gov/dms2/org2.htm.
  
  
• Johns Hopkins University Center for Civilian Biodefense Studies
  
  
• Minnesota Department of Health
  
  
• Minnesota Department of Health's Avian Flu Resources
  
  
• codeReady: How ready are you? A statewide initiative created to help all Minnesotans be informed, organized and connected on emergency preparedness.
  
  
• Minnesota's new Office of Homeland Security, in cooperation with the Minnesota Public Safety Department.
  
  
• Minnesota Poison Control System, (MPSC) answers calls from Minnesota health-care professionals concerning exposures to harmful substances, medications, poisons, environmental concerns, poison prevention, current public health concerns, i.e., anthrax and other chemical/biological weapons. MPCS works closely with MDH's Infectious Disease, Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division and elements of the Minnesota Department of Emergency Management and the Minnesota State Duty Officers during such events. MPCS staff provides presentations on various subjects of toxicology including biological and chemical terrorism agents upon request. Contact Steven Setzer for more information.
  : (All Minnesota hospitals that are part of the NDMS plan should review this site. If you are not an NDMS hospital, this might be good reference information.)
  
  
• National Disaster Medical System of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services