FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2009
Contact:
Donald A. Donahue, Jr., Executive Director, Center for Health Policy and Preparedness
202-607-4718
Center for Health Policy & Preparedness Opens at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies
Arlington, VA— The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is proud to announce the reorganization of its center for national health policy research as the Center for Health Policy & Preparedness. The new CHPP is under the direction of Donald A. Donahue, Jr., M.B.A, FACHE, CHS-III, who brings more than 30 years of experience as a health care administrator in the military, in government, and in the private sector.
In 2000, the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies formed the National Security Health Policy Center to examine how existing, new, or proposed legislation and policies impact the ability of the United States government to maintain national security while preventing, detecting, and responding to a growing number of health threats. Since then, says Donahue, we have seen “an evolution in the nature of the threat, as the nation witnessed a major terrorist attack on American soil, a domestic bioterrorism event, and emergence of novel diseases at an unprecedented pace.”
Donahue says the mission of the new CHPP, which replaces the former NSHPC, reflects the need to address evolving natural and man-made threats to public health. The CHPP will look at ways to enhance the role and capabilities of governments and the private sector in risk prevention, preparedness, and policy formulation, while expanding its engagement with leading academic institutions. In this light, the CHPP will focus on increasing the operational medical capabilities of the military, other federal providers, and the nation’s health care infrastructure. It will also engage international partners in an effort to counter health threats that can exert effects on a global scale.
Donahue is joined in CHPP leadership by Medical Director Stephen Cunnion, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., a leader in field investigations of biological and chemical warfare and bioterrorism.
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The Potomac Institute for Policy Studies is an independent, 501(c)(3), not-for-profit public policy research institute. The Institute identifies and aggressively shepherds discussion on key science, technology, and national security issues facing our society. From these discussions and forums, we develop meaningful policy options and ensure their implementation at the intersection of business and government.