New National Biodefense Science Board members will advise HHS.
New National Biodefense Science Board members will advise HHS
Federal advisory committee provides insight for disaster preparedness, response and recovery
Seven experts from outside the federal government will join the National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB), a federal advisory committee which provides expert advice and guidance on preventing, preparing for, and responding to adverse health effects of public health emergencies to the HHS Secretary and the HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). The new members replace members whose 4-year terms expire Jan. 31.
The ASPR serves as the Secretary’s principal advisor on bioterrorism and other public health emergencies and coordinates the federal public health and medical response to disasters.
“NBSB members bring a broad range of perspectives and experiences, and over the past four years, the board has helped us improve federal policies and practices in disaster preparedness and response,” said Assistant Secretary Nicole Lurie. “I look forward to working with the new members as we forge ahead in helping communities across the country become more resilient to all hazards.”
The board was created under the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006 and chartered in May 2007. Since then, the board has provided recommendations on a variety of federal disaster preparedness and response issues. The issues include, the effectiveness of the National Disaster Medical System and federal management of the research and development medical countermeasures – the medicines, vaccines and equipment needed to protect health from bioterrorism and pandemic disease.
In addition, the board assessed the department’s progress in integrating behavioral health into emergency preparedness and response activities. HHS incorporated the NBSB recommendations in the first federal disaster behavioral health concept of operations which ASPR recently released. The board also has recommended ways to improve the nation’s ability to mobilize scientific resources quickly and comprehensively in support of public health emergency response.
By statute, the board has 13 voting members with a broad range of expertise in science, medicine, and public health. Additionally, there are non-voting members from federal and state government agencies as deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
The next meeting of the board and the first for new members will take place Feb. 2. Information about the meeting and the National Biodefense Science Board is available at http://www.phe.gov/Preparedness/legal/boards/nbsb/Pages/default.aspx.
Incoming members are as follows:
- John S. Parker, M.D., major general (retired) U.S. Army, senior vice president, Science Applications International Corporation, re-nominated to serve as NBSB chair
- John S. Bradley, M.D., director, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rady Children’s Hospital
- Nelson J. Chao, M.D., M.B.A., chief, Division of Cellular Therapy/Bone Marrow Transplantation, Duke University
- Emilio A. Emini, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, Vaccine Research, Pfizer, Inc.
- Manohar R. Furtado, Ph.D., vice president, Research and Development, Life Technologies/Applied Biosystems
- Steven E. Krug, M.D., head, Division of Emergency Medicine at Children’s Memorial Hospital
- Sarah Y. Park, M.D., state epidemiologist and chief, Disease Outbreak Control Division, Hawaii Department of Health
The following members’ terms are expiring:
- NBSB Chair Patricia Quinlisk, M.D., M.P.H., state epidemiologist and medical director, Iowa Department of Public Health
- Ruth L. Berkelman, M.D., Rollins professor and director, Center for Public Health Preparedness and Research, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
- Stephen V. Cantrill, M.D., BNICE Training Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Denver Health Medical Center
- John D. Grabenstein, R.Ph., Ph.D., senior medical director, Adult Vaccines, Merck Vaccine Division
- Thomas J. MacVittie, Ph.D., professor, Departments of Radiation Oncology and Pathology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
- John S. Parker, M.D., major general (retired), senior vice president, Scientific Applications International Corporation –re-nominated to serve as NBSB chair
- Patrick J. Scannon, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and chief, Biotechnology, Officer XOMA, Ltd.
The following members are continuing with the NBSB:
- Georges Benjamin, M.D., executive director, American Public Health Association
- Jane Delgado, Ph.D., M.S., president and chief executive officer, National Alliance for Hispanic Health
- David Ecker, Ph.D., divisional vice president and site general manager, Ibis Biosciences
- Daniel Fagbuyi, M.D., medical director, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, Children’s National Medical Center
- Kevin Jarrell, Ph.D., chief executive officer, Modular Genetics, Inc.
- Betty Pfefferbaum, J.D., M.D., professor and chair, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Oklahoma Sciences Center
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> About Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (formerly the Office of Public Health Emergency Preparedness) was created under the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act in the wake of Katrina to lead the nation in preventing, preparing for, and responding to the adverse health effects of public health emergencies and disasters. ASPR focuses on preparedness planning and response; building federal emergency medical operational capabilities; countermeasures research, advance development, and procurement; and grants to strengthen the capabilities of hospitals and health care systems in public health emergencies and medical disasters. The office provides federal support, including medical professionals through ASPR’s National Disaster Medical System, to augment state and local capabilities during an emergency or disaster.
Under the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act, HHS is the lead agency for the National Response Framework (NRF) for Emergency Support Function 8 (ESF). The Secretary of HHS delegates to ASPR the leadership role for all health and medical services support function in a health emergency or public health event.
| Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) | Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations (OPEO) |
| The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides an integrated, systematic approach to the development and purchase of the necessary vaccines, drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools for public health medical emergencies. Learn More >> | The Office of Preparedness and Emergency Operations (OPEO) is responsible for developing operational plans, analytical products, and training exercises to ensure the preparedness of the Office, the Department, the Federal Government and the public to respond to and recover from domestic and international public health and medical threats and emergencies. Learn More >> |
| The Office of Acquisition Management, Contracts & Grants (AMCG) |
Office of Policy & Planning (OPP) |
| The Office of Acquisitions Management, Contracts and Grants (AMCG) provides ASPR with acquisition support to prepare and respond to the adverse health emergencies and disasters and provides contractual support to ASPR. Learn More >> |
The Office of Policy and Planning (OPP) advises HHS and ASPR leadership through policy options and strategic planning initiatives to support domestic and international public health emergency preparedness and response activities. Learn More >> |
| The Office of Financial Planning and Analysis (OFPA) |
Office of the Chief Operating Officer |
| The Office of Financial Planning and Analysis (FPA) is responsible for providing expertise and analysis in the formulation and implementation of policies, procedures, and operational strategies that ensure efficient and effective allocation and utilization of program resources in support of ASPR’s mission. Learn More >> | The Office of the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for ensuring effective stakeholder communication and administrative management. As the focal point for external communications, the Office of the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for ensuring the effective management of public affairs, online governance, and strategic partnerships. Learn More >> |
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> About National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB)
The National Biodefense Science Board (NBSB) was created under the authority of the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act, signed into law on December 19, 2006.
The NBSB was established to provide expert advice and guidance to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on scientific, technical, and other matters of special interest to HHS regarding activities to prevent, prepare for, and respond to adverse health effects of public health emergencies resulting from chemical, biological, nuclear, and radiological events, whether naturally occurring, accidental, or deliberate.
On March 4, 2008, the charter of the NBSB was amended to allow the NBSB to provide advice and guidance to the Secretary on other matters related to public health emergency preparedness and response.
By statute, the NBSB has 13 voting members with a broad range of expertise in science, medicine, and public health. Additionally, there are non-voting ex officio members, as deemed appropriate by the Secretary.
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* The above information is adapted from materials provided by USA Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
** More information at USA Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
