CDC Public Health Academy 2: Readiness and Response
Written by Victoria Barahona, Coalition for Health Funding
The Coalition for Health Funding and the CDC Foundation joined forces once again to host the second CDC Public Health Academy: Readiness & Response, a thrilling public health emergency experience followed by food and drinks with staff from the CDC. The coalition was thrilled to be joined by special guests CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, Principal Deputy Director Dr. Nirav Shah, and Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA). We also were delighted to host over 25 Congressional staff as well as CHF members, who had the chance to participate in an interactive readiness and response simulation designed by CDC.
The simulation was a public health emergency caused by Hurricane Unique, an imaginary powerful storm that hit the southern coast and unleashed devastating winds and flooding. Participants faced a long list of health and safety problems, such as infectious diseases, injuries, water contamination, and power outages. Participants had to choose how to allocate resources, communicate with the public, and coordinate with other agencies. Those choices had consequences for community outcomes, such as mortality, morbidity, infrastructure damage, and economic loss. While the subject matter was realistic and painted an accurate portrayal of what decision makers face, participants had a lot of fun and learned a lot from the experience.
Just as importantly, attendees learned about the vital role CDC plays in protecting the health and well-being of all Americans, especially during public health emergencies. They also learned about the importance of readiness, response, recovery, and resilience in public health.
CHF staff also had the privilege of hosting the registration table in the Rayburn House Office Building across the hall from Representative Jim Jordan’s (R-OH) office where we caught a glimpse him returning to his office after one of his failed attempts at claiming the speakership. We wished he could join us for the interactive scenario, but it was understandable that he had other things on his mind.
This event was a wonderful chance for CHF members to build relationships between Hill staff and CDC leaders in a fun way that enhanced everyone’s understanding of public health for policymakers.
Please join us for our next Public Health Academy event if you are interested in learning more about public health and CDC’s mission, likely taking place in *GASP* early 2024!
Representative Anna Eshoo (D-CA)
CDC Director Dr. Many Cohen speaking to CDC Foundation, CHF members, and Hill staff