Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Delaware is among states best prepared for a disaster, disease outbreak

Delaware is one the best prepared states in the nation for responding to disasters, disease outbreaks, and other emergencies, according to a new report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

 

The 2017 National Health Security Preparedness Index shows Delaware improving faster than most states as well.  

 

Since 2013 Delaware has improved by 9 percent, and is currently one of the best ranked states in the nation, with a score of 7.2 out of 10. The national average is 6.8, with Vermont leading the pack.

Delaware ranks better than the national average in all measures except one: environmental and occupational health.

“Much of what we’re measuring in that domain has to do with the state’s ability to monitor and measure threats in the environment, in the water, in the food supply, in the air and the soil, and then being able to mobilize quickly to address those threats,” said Glen Mays, a professor at the University of Kentucky who helped develop the index. 

 

Mays said the state needs to implement better testing for contaminants in surface and wastewater to improve its score in this area.

 

Overall, the nation is improving its ability to respond to disasters and disease outbreaks.

That includes an increased capacity to deploy healthcare and other emergency services at a faster pace.

 

You can find the state results HERE and full report HERE.

Related Content