In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the potential for terrorist use of a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear agents, or Explosive (CBRNE) devices as weapons prompted the State of New Hampshire to reorganize its resources to more effectively counter the threat. A Bioterrorism (BT) Preparedness Section was created within the NH Department of Safety, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The BT Section supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) cooperative agreement as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Departments of Safety and Health & Human Services. That agreement was signed by the Governor and Commissioners of the two departments in September 2003.
The Bioterrorism Preparedness Section, following guidelines issued by the CDC works with local and state public health officials, public safety officials and other key stakeholders to prepare the state for all hazards. Planning and preparation for all types of hazards are the keys to protecting the citizens of New Hampshire.
The Response Clinic Coordinator refines the State Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) effectively manage and use the SNS assets in response to a weapon of mass destruction terrorism event or natural disaster. This includes the development and implementation of plans, coordinated with regional public health emergency planners, for all hazards mass care clinics statewide. These clinics would be needed to respond to potential CBRNE-related threats or naturally occurring outbreaks that may require acute care, prophylaxis, vaccine, or antidote. Coordination of the SNS Cities Readiness Initiative Program focusing on a concentrated effort to accelerate the response capacity of population centers that are considered to be at highest risk for a nuclear accident or biological attack for which medical countermeasures are authorized and appropriate.