United States Environmental Protection Agency WaterHealthConnection.org A Website for Health Care Providers on Water Terrorism Preparedness Communication between health care providers and water utility personnel is essential to ensure the health and safety of our nation's water supplies. Doctors, nurses, and others in primary care would likely be the first to observe unusual illness patterns or disease trends resulting from intentional biological or chemical contamination. They have a critical role in diagnosing waterborne disease, communicating risk, and cooperating with water utilities to protect public health. Purpose of this Physician Reference Guide Focus and Key Pi Table of Conte ' "Recognizing Waterborne Disease and the Health Effects of Water Pollution: A Physician On-line Reference Guide," by Patricia L. Meinhardt, MD, MPH, MA, includes a section, "Physician Preparedness for Acts of Water Terrorism." It is available at WaterHealthConnection.org. The site features • Free access to clinically relevant information on recognition, management, and prevention of waterborne disease from pathogens and chemical contamination • Peer-reviewed content by leading experts from medical academia and public health agencies, including CDC, ATSDR, and EPA • Risk communication and patient risk evaluation guidelines for both healthy and susceptible populations • "Ease of use" tools and website support for busy health professionals • Continuing Medical Education accreditation toward AMA Physician's Recognition Award (maximum of 22 CME credits), sponsored by the American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) • Certificate of Participation for non-physicians to submit for continuing education credits in their fields, also sponsored by ACPM Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Water Works Association, and Arnot Ogden Medical Center Physicia Acts of Water Terrorism CME Credit Information Basics of Water Safety and Disease Trends Evaluation and Management of Waterborne Pathogens Chemical Contaminants Susceptible Populations Communication and Patient Risk Evaluatioi Clinician Internet Resource Guide and Search Engine About The Author Evaluate our Program Technology Tools ai Assistanc Office of Water EPA817-F-03-002 www.epa.gov/safewater October 2003 ------- |