September 11: The Response and Role of Public Health

The horrific terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and 4 commercial airliners have seared unspeakable images into our memories. In the wake of the attacks, various sectors of our society—including public health professionals, academics, and community workers—have been reexamining their preparedness for future assaults. Now, more than ever, there is an urgent need to strengthen the US public health infrastructure. The initial response to the World Trade Center attacks was swift and generous. The health care community joined with firefighters, the police, rescue groups, and an outpouring of volunteers from all sections of New York City and beyond. It was tremendously moving to see large numbers of people volunteering their time, resources, and blood; it was reassuring to witness the skill and competence of health care professionals at work. The tragedy has also posed long-term challenges to people living not only in New York City but also throughout the United States and, indeed, the world. During this extraordinarily trying period, it is important to review the range of issues in which the field of public health plays a special role in dealing with future threats, as well as to emphasize the skills and information that public health supplies at all times. It is also critical that we continue to underscore our commitment to basic health care and to a livable and secure environment for everyone, in the United States and abroad. Further, these violent acts committed against innocent civilians do not justify other violent responses against other innocent civilians.