Mass. Gets Low Ranking For Terror Preparedness (+most others aren't great)

[Tab]

BOSTON -- States are slowly getting better prepared to handle bioterrorism, but most still don't have statewide response plans and federal funding is declining, according to a new report.

The report echoed fears voiced by outgoing Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson earlier this month, when he said he couldn't understand why terrorists haven't attacked the country's food supply because it would be "so easy to do."

And the review follows a year in which the country faced a shortage of flu vaccines -- normally a routine protection against a known problem.

Compiled by the nonprofit Trust For America's Health, the report issued Tuesday found only six states are adequately prepared to distribute vaccines and antidotes in an emergency, but it named only three of them: Florida, Illinois and Louisiana.
...
The report concluded that basic bioterrorism detection, diagnosis and response capabilities are not in place, and the country has a long way to go to protect the American public from such an attack.

One common problem was lack of funding. Federal bioterrorism aid has decreased by about $1 million per state in 2004, and about one-third of the states saw their public health budgets decline.
More> http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/3995000/detail.html

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

1. well if they'd give some fucking money

I'm sure more people would be prepared.

[el_gato]

2. the only way to stop terrorism is to stop engaging in it

[nofurylike]

3. well WELL said, el_gato! n/t

[MidwestTransplant]

4. I bet Wyoming is prepared

They get the same amount per capita as NYC

[JPace]

5. They must have caught her statement in a bad moment....

if given the choice to actually give it away, I bet she would not do it. I'm sure there is a learning curve to learning how to live gracefully as a millionaire, but surely it is an easier and more pleasant curve than learning how to be poor.

Silly lady:

[Forkboy]

6. We scoff at terrorism after the Big Dig

:)