PRDA -P:Advance email

ATTACHMENT P: ASTHO Advance Email

ASTHO Advance Email to State and Territorial Preparedness Directors

Dear Preparedness Director:

On behalf of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), NORC at the University of Chicago is conducting a study entitled “Practice-Based Needs and Research Questions Related to Public Health Emergency Preparedness Capabilities.” The goal of the study is to identify which areas of public health emergency preparedness and response need additional research to validate, improve, and better inform programmatic and policy decisions. The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) is providing support to NORC to conduct this study.

As part of this study, we are asking all state and territorial health departments to participate in an assessment to identify important topics in public health emergency preparedness and response. The assessment asks respondents to indicate the extent to which questions about public health preparedness and response activities are important areas for additional research. The information gathered in the assessment will be used to inform the development of a public health practice-based research agenda for preparedness, response, and recovery.

The assessment is available in an electronic format and is estimated to take 30 minutes to complete. In a few days, you will receive an email from NORC at the University of Chicago that contains a link to the assessment. Data from the assessment will be shared with CDC, but will not be linked to the identity of a particular respondent or organization. Your response will help CDC to understand practice needs and research priorities for public health preparedness and responses. Your participation is voluntary.

Thank you in advance for your participation in this very important study.

Sincerely,

James Blumenstock

Chief Program Officer, Public Health Programs

Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO)