Bio-Terrorism preparedness and response Module 3 case MHE 507 Essay

Bio-Terrorism preparedness and response Module 3 case MHE 507 - Essay Example However the operation is plagued by the lack of qualified and motivated staff members. This paper will seek to study and analyze the LRN. The Laboratory Response Network was created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a means of responding to biological terrorism. The CDC established the organization with its partners, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Association of Public Health Laboratories (McGovern, 311). The overall aim was to create an efficient mechanism that would upgrade the American public health infrastructure to respond to bioterrorism. The LRN uses a coordinated effort by government, military, health, and private laboratories to fight against possible bioterrorist threats. It helps to enhance the ability of the country to respond to biological and chemical terrorism. The Laboratory Response Network operates using a multi-tier organizational structure. Each level helps to create a multilayered security mechanism against potential bioterrorist acts. Sentinel laboratories are the first line of defense since they are concerned with identifying and assessing bioterrorism threat agents. They have the responsibility of treating samples in a safe manner (Roffey & Tegnell, 450). Reference laboratories typically have advanced equipment that is used to test and monitor the presence of specific biological threat agents. Finally national laboratories are present in military and government facilities for the purpose of identifying specialized biological agents (Treadwell & Koo, 92). The LRN represents a unique effort to fight bioterrorism because it integrates state, federal, military, veterinary, and international laboratories. Adequate funding has supplemented the efforts by providing the necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies to the network of laboratories. However a major shortcoming is the lack of qualified and talented staff (Inglesby, 1735). This was because qualified scientists and researchers