Ready or Not: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism is an annual report measuring states’ level of preparedness to protect the public’s health during an emergency.
Based on 10 performance indicators and by tracking public health funding, the report ranks states’ level of preparedness into three performance tiers: high, middle and low. This 2020 edition placed 25 states and the District of Columbia in the high preparedness performance tier, up from 17 last year. Twelve states, down from 20 states and the District of Columbia last year, placed in the middle performance tier and 13 states placed in the low tier, the same number as last year.
Overall the report found that states’ level of preparedness has improved in key areas, including public health funding, participation in healthcare coalitions and compacts, hospital safety, and seasonal flu vaccination. However, other key health security measures, including ensuring a safe water supply and access to paid time off, stalled or lost ground.
Read the full report to learn more.