Director and Assoc. Prof. Curtis E. Cummings, MD, MPH, authored two articles in the 10th edition of Eurodialogue, Journal for European Issues. The articles deal with ensuring a coordinated public health response to disasters – particularly with a heightened awareness to chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) terrorist threats.

The first article, “The Need to Strengthen National Public Health Preparedness and Response to CBR Agent Threats,” was co-authored by Carol S. Larach, MPH. The article highlights proceedings from a recent Advanced Study Institute of the North Atlantic Treat Organization. During the Institute, international public health, medical, military and other key officials stressed the need for an international, coordinated method of communication and response to a CBR attack, which could have devastating medical, public health and psychological effects around the globe.

In his article, Dr. Cummings outlines how such a coordinated response system should be Internet-linked and include appropriate staffing, supplies and communication. In addition, on-the-ground officials should receive ongoing training – particularly training on how to deal with the psychological effects of a CBR attack.

According to Dr. Cummings, the emergency preparedness steps can be applied to every community, city and nation worldwide.

The second article, “Social Marketing as a Potentially Valuable Tool for Preparedness,” was co-authored by Peter D. Rumm, MD, MPH. Dr. Cummings stresses how social marketing is becoming an increasingly important tool for public health communication and emergency preparedness.

Dr. Cummings served a 20-year career in the U.S. Public Health Service Corps and the U.S. Navy Medical Corps. He provides invaluable experience and global perspective to his research in environmental health and occupational medicine, and serves as an expert on emergency preparedness planning and disaster response.

Dr. Cummings has received numerous professional awards, and serves on many professional and community-oriented leadership panels. He has published many articles in peer reviewed publications, and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American College of Preventive Medicine, American Public Health Association, Health Physics Society and College of Physicians of Philadelphia.