HOMELAND SECURITY: Need to Consider VA's Role in Strengthening Federal Preparedness
Abstract
The Department of Veterans Affairs currently plays a supporting role in assessing other agencies that have lead responsibility for responding to disasters, including terrorism. In its areas of responsibility-conducting disaster simulation exercises and maintaining medical stockpiles- VA has taken steps to enhance national emergency preparedness. Specifically it has evaluated disaster simulation exercises to help improve medical response procedures and strengthened the security of Federal Pharmaceutical stockpiles, to ensure rapid response support to local authorities who may be over whelmed by terrorist attacks, VA also has resources that could play a role in future federal homeland security efforts. Its assets include the bricks, mortar, and human capital components of its health care system, graduate medical education programs, and expertise involving emergency backup and support activities. In managing large-scale medical emergencies arising from terrorist attacks, VA's emergency response capabilities have strengths and shortcomings. For example, most VA hospitals and clinics coordinate their emergency plans with their local communities. On the other hand, like their community hospital counterparts, VA facilities are less prepared to treat victims of biological than chemical terrorist attacks. Currently, the agency, in a supporting role, makes a significant contribution to the emergency preparedness response activities carried out by lead federal agencies. Expanding this role in response to stepped up homeland security efforts may deemed beneficial but would require an analysis of the potential impact on the agency's health care missions, the resource implications for VA's budget, and the merits of enhancing VA's capabilities relative to other federal alternatives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 15, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA395070
Entities
People
- Cynthia A. Bascetta
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office