Newswise — Bethesda, Md – Important issues impacting evidence-based approaches to disaster preparedness and response will be the focus of the upcoming disaster symposium, “Disasters and Health: State of Science,” April 25-26, 2019, in Washington, D.C. 

The symposium, which will be held at the American Geophysical Union, 2000 Florida Avenue NW, is sponsored by the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, part of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. 

Invited speakers will come from throughout the country and include former FEMA Director W. Craig Fugate, who will deliver the keynote address on Apr. 25.  During his administration, Fugate oversaw the response to 87 disasters in 2011 alone.

Symposium topics include:

  • The current state of disaster science
  • The challenges facing state and local responders
  • Identifying the future needs of disaster science
  • Current policy implications
  • Funding

The event is primarily geared to disaster health scientists and practitioners, first responders, academics, Federal agencies, health organizations, foundations, civilian-military groups, non-governmental organizations. 

The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required for attendance to the symposium.  To register, or for information, go to https://hjf.cvent.com/StateofScience.   

Media interested in attending must contact Ms. Sarah Marshall, media affairs officer, USU, at [email protected], (301) 295-3955 or Ms. Sharon Holland, deputy Vice President for External Affairs, USU, [email protected], (301) 295-3578. 

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About the Uniformed Services University:

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences is the nation's only Federal health sciences university.  USU educates, trains and prepares uniformed services health professionals, officers and leaders to directly support the Military Health System, the National Security and National Defense Strategies of the United States and the readiness of our armed forces. For more information, visit:  www.usuhs.edu

About USU's National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health:

The National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences was established under the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD 21) to be “…an academic center of excellence in disaster medicine and public health….” The Center is a collaboration of five Federal agencies: Department of Defense, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Transportation, and Department of Veterans Affairs.  The unique structure and position makes the Center especially suited to meet our nation’s critical disaster preparedness mission.  For more information, visit:  www.usuhs.edu/ncdmph