NCJ Number
192114
Date Published
2001
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This paper presents testimony before the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs on the need to consider the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) role in strengthening Federal preparedness.
Abstract
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) currently plays a supporting role in assisting other agencies that have lead responsibility for responding to disasters, including terrorism. In its areas of responsibility--conducting disaster simulation exercises and maintaining medical stockpiles--VA has taken steps to enhance national emergency preparedness. Specifically, it has evaluated disaster simulation exercises to help improve medical response procedures and strengthened the security of Federal pharmaceutical stockpiles to ensure rapid response to local authorities that may be overwhelmed by terrorist attack. VA also has resources that could play a role in future Federal homeland security efforts. Its assets include the bricks, mortar, and human capital components of its health care system, graduate medical education programs, and expertise involving backup and support activities. In managing large-scale medical emergencies arising from terrorist attacks, the VA’s emergency response capabilities have strengths and shortcomings. For example, most VA hospitals and clinics coordinate their emergency plans with their local communities. On the other hand, like their community hospital counterparts, VA facilities are less prepared to treat victims of biological than chemical terrorist attacks. Determining how VA can best contribute to homeland security is especially timely, given the extraordinary level of Federal activity underway to better prepare for managing large-scale disasters.