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How Prepared Is the United States for a Pandemic?

This health index is a better measure than someone bragging about how prepared we are.

The question being asked today is about how prepared are we as a nation for a pandemic? One excellent tool for that measurement is the linked report and study below. I have participated in the last update of the index, representing emergency management discipline and my institutional knowledge and perspective. 

While there is a mix of subjective opinion, every aspect of the health index must have some numerical rating behind how the readiness measure is graded. Elements of the index come off of the report when data is not longer being collected to provide justification for the measurement. This tool for measuring national health readiness is better than other "opinionated statements" coming from politicians or potentially public health officials looking to feather their own nest. 

The National Health Security Preparedness Index examines America's preparedness efforts by looking collectively at the health security preparedness of states. The index is updated annually to accurately reflect the nation's progress in preparing for, preventing and responding to potential health incidents.

Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.