News Room

That's why Children's Hospital Boston is leading the way in biopreparedness. Children's Hospital Boston recently launched the Center for Biopreparedness to focus much needed attention on the needs of children in case of a disaster--an act of terrorism, nature, or an accident. The newly created center is the first of its kind and will develop a model for the management of a biological, chemical or radiation event affecting children and their caregivers.

Recently the National Advisory Committee on Children and Terrorism (NACCT) submitted its recommendations to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The committee report warns that while significant resources have been dedicated to the protection of structures and national monuments, relatively little has been done to safeguard the health and well-being of children.

• Over 70 million children live in the U.S. today
• Over 22 million children are 5 years old or younger
• As of 1997 no state disaster plans had pediatric components
• 20% of hospitals have access to pediatric emergency physicians and the majority of personnel have little pediatric training or experience

The committee has urged the federal government to: implement a comprehensive public health strategy to meet the needs of children and recognize the needs of children and families in the face of terrorism as an essential part of America's national security response to terrorism.