American Public Health Association

About the author: The American Public Health Association is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the world, including researchers, administrators, health service providers, and teachers.

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States has done little to deal with underlying problems that contribute to terrorism, such as poverty, human rights abuses, and disparities in health care. However, it has strengthened the public health infrastructure in ways that improve its ability to respond to terror attacks and has increased the supply of medicines and vaccines that would be available after an attack. It has somewhat improved the education of health professionals and the public about terrorism and taken steps to address the mental health needs of populations affected...