[Abstract written March 2008, TLC] Under worst-case planning assumptions used by some major metropolitan areas, a Neighbor-to-Neighbor self-help program model is the primary link between citizens and the professional response personnel of the responsible government agencies.

In the Neighbor-to-Neighbor self-help program model or a Community Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) calls on the citizens in neighborhoods to identify and establish cluster emergency preparedness committees, Cluster Emergency Coordination Centers (CECC) and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). Missing from these plans or what is not articulated is how constant Public Health Post-Event Surveillance, Monitoring and Assessments will be done. Given the worst-case planning assumptions the Public Health Surveillance and Monitoring System will be disrupted as well.

If emergency responders will not been in or get to these neighborhoods, then it makes sense that epidemiology Rapid Needs/Disaster Assessment teams will be unable to also. Therefore, a Public Health Surveillance and Monitoring System must be integrated into these Neighbor-to-Neighbor self-help programs.

A term paper submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for, EMSE 229 Health and Medical Issues in Emergency Management, Fall Spring, 2005, Instructor: Joseph A. Barbera, MD Associate Professor Engineering Management and System Engineering George Washington University