Cities Readiness Initiative

The Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) is a federal effort designed to increase bioterrorism preparedness in the nation's larger cities. The goal is to save lives in these selected cities by rapidly dispensing medication to their entire population.

Imagine this…
Whether by accident or as part of a terrorist attack, a biological agent such as anthrax has been released and millions of people across the nation are at risk, including those in your community. People need preventive medications immediately, so the Centers for Disease Control ships
supplies from its Strategic National Stockpile to local public health agencies. These agencies activate long-standing and well rehearsed plans to dispense the medicine at special Medication Centers.

The above scenario is exactly what the Cities Readiness Initiative is preparing for. In order to minimize loss of life, cities will CRI funding to develop plans that support mass dispensing of drugs to 100% of the identified population within 48 hours of a decision to do so. This Web site has been created to inform and prepare the citizens of Central Ohio for one such public health emergency. Click on the links below to learn more.