Meeting

The National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) held a public meeting on June 18, 2008 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington VA. Topics discussed include updates from the Pandemic Influenza Working Group, the Disaster Medicine Working Group, the Markets and Sustainability Working Group, and the U.S. Medical Countermeasure Research and Development Processes for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Agents Working Group.  

The NBSB introduced the Disaster Mental Health Subcommittee, established under the NBSB, in response to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21 (HSPD-21), paragraph 31.  The Subcommittee will provide a plan to the Secretary for protecting, preserving, and restoring individual and community mental health in catastrophic health event settings, including pre-event, intra-event, and post-event education, messaging, and interventions.

Additionally, the NBSB discussed preparedness and planning issues related to at-risk populations and pandemic influenza; considered issues related to medical response and preparedness for radiological and nuclear events; and received an update from the Federal Biosurveillance Working Group established in response to HSPD-21, paragraph 22.

The NBSB discussed at length issues related to personal preparedness.  The NBSB voted to transmit a letter to Secretary Leavitt highlighting their reservation regarding draft guidance documents for patients and physicians concerning the home storage of antibiotics for use in the event of an anthrax attack.

Recommendations, Findings and Actions:
Home Storage Patient Information Sheet
Home Storage Physician Information
NBSB Letter to Secretary  6-25-2008
NBSB Excerpt on Personal Preparedness  June 18, 2008

Public Comment:
Alliance for the Prudent Use of Antibiotics

Meeting Summary:
NBSB – June 2008

Date:
June 18th, 2008

Time:
8:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Location:
Sheraton National Hotel
900 S. Orme Street
Arlington, VA 22209

Notice:
Federal Register Notice

Agenda
June 18^th Meeting Agenda

Public Participation
Meetings of the NBSB are open to the public.