Bioterrorism preparedness: a survey of Nebraska health care institutions

In March 2001, a 6-question survey was mailed to all hospitals and long-term care facilities in Nebraska to assess preparedness for bioterrorism. Only half of the respondents at that time believed that bioterrorism was something their community was likely to experience. We found that most facilities (98%) believed that they were unprepared for a bioterrorism event, and many did not know whom to contact in the event of such an emergency. We concluded from the results of the survey that the greatest needs to facilitate preparation were policies and procedures, identification of contacts, medications, protective equipment, laboratory support, and communication.