Even before Sept. 11, 2001, Colorado had begun preparing for a worldwide epidemic or terrorist attack. With the strikes and subsequent anthrax cases, Americans became even more aware of the role public health plays in insuring national security.
Following a legislative mandate, local health departments, hospitals and emergency response teams developed plans for handling potential public health emergencies, including bioterrorism attacks. The CDC Health Alert Network was also set up to improve communication among public health agencies and emergency medical and healthcare facilities. Colorado also has a health alert network accessed at:
The following information should be used to supplement official notices during a real emergency:
H1N1 Quick Reference Page