N.C. earns perfect score on health emergency test

North Carolina is one of the most prepared states in the country when it comes to dealing with public health emergencies, according to a national report released Tuesday.

Posted 9:26 a.m. Dec 9, 2008 — Updated 8:07 p.m. Dec 9, 2008

RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina is one of the most prepared states in the country when it comes to dealing with public health emergencies, according to a national report released Tuesday.

N.C. was one of five states that earned a perfect 10, according The Trust for America's Health. The state received a nine out of 10 last year.

The group measured whether states were prepared in 10 categories, which were:

Has adequate plans to distribute emergency vaccines, antidotes and medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile
Purchased 50 percent or more of its share of federally subsidized antiviral medications to prepare for a potential pandemic flu outbreak,
Public health lab has an intrastate courier system that operates 24 hours a day for specimen pickup and delivery
State public health lab can meet the expectations of the state's pandemic influenza plan
Uses a disease surveillance system that is compatible with CDC's National Electronic Disease Surveillance System
Has laws that reduce or limit the liability exposure for health care volunteers who serve in a public health emergency
Has laws that reduce or limit the liability for businesses and non-profit organizations that serve in a public health emergency
Has a Medical Reserve Corps coordinator
Identified the pathogen responsible for reported food-borne disease outbreaks at a rate that met or exceeded the national average of 44 percent
Increased or maintained funding for public health programs from fiscal year 2006-07 to fiscal year 2007-08

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