January 9, 2018
Public Health & Healthcare Preparedness
STATEMENT
Statement by FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, Update on Recovery Efforts in Puerto Rico, and Continued Efforts to Mitigate IV Saline and Amino Acid Drug Shortages.  As we enter the new year and pass the 100-day mark from when Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico, we want to provide an update on the current recovery efforts, the state of existing drug shortages that resulted from the impact of the storm and our continued commitment to help the island fully recover.  (FDA, 1/4/18)
 
PRESS RELEASE
Going to the Source to Prevent Viral Disease Outbreaks.  A new DARPA program called Preventing Emerging Pathogenic Threats, or PREEMPT, seeks to support military readiness by going after new viral infectious diseases at the source, animal reservoirs-the species in which a pathogen lives, multiplies, and potentially evolves into a strain that can threaten humans. PREEMPT aims to advance understanding of viruses and their interaction with animals, insects, and humans, and deliver new, proactive interventions to reduce the risk from emerging and reemerging pathogens.  (DARPA, 1/4/18)
 
FELLOWSHIP
APHL-CDC Fellowships.  Applications are now open for APHL-CDC laboratory fellowships. Applications are due February 28, 2018.  (APHL, 1/18)
REPORT
Policy Options to Increase Physician Training Education in Proper Opioid Prescribing.  This Insight focuses on physician efforts because physicians can prescribe in every state but
not all states permit advanced practice nurses or physician assistants to prescribe opioids.
Many of the policy options discussed in this Insight could also be applied to other provider
types (e.g., nonphysicians) who have prescriptive authority.  (Congressional Research Service, 12/22/17)
 
Homeland Security & Disaster Preparedness
REPORT
What Happens if the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Lapses?  This Insight provides a short overview of what would happen if the NFIP were not to be reauthorized by January 19, 2018, and allowed to lapse.  (Congressional Research Service, 1/3/18)

See also: Introduction to the National Flood Insurance Program (Congressional Research Service, 1/3/18)
 
NEWS
All 50 States, DC Opt-In to FirstNet Wireless Broadband Network for First Responders.  Congress approved a bill establishing FirstNet in 2012. Over the last five years, the First Responder Network Authority has worked with public safety representatives in each state and territory to develop customized plans to build out the network.  (Homeland Preparedness News, 1/2/18)
 
REPORT
The 2017 National Security Strategy: Issues for Congress.  To advance US interests effectively within this strategic context, the Administration argues, the United States must improve domestic American security and bolster economic competitiveness while rebuilding its military.  (Congressional Research Service, 12/19/17)
 
Radiological & Nuclear Disaster Preparedness
PRESENTATION
Public Health Response to a Nuclear Detonation. During this Public Health  Grand Rounds, CDC officials will discuss what public health programs have done on a federal, state, and local level to prepare for a nuclear detonation. Learn how planning and preparation efforts for a nuclear detonation are similar and different from other emergency response planning efforts. The webinar will take place at the CDC Roybal Campus on January 16, 2018, 1-2 PM EST.  (CDC, 1/18)
 
NEWS
Trump's First Comprehensive Review of US Nuclear Forces Nearly Complete: Report.  The review is focused on deterrence, and will assess nuclear laboratories, stockpiles and manufacturing facilities. It also involves looking at how to modernize aging nuclear weapons, according to CNN.  (The Hill, 1/7/18)
 
Science & Technology Policy
AMA
CRISPR and the Centers of Excellence in Genomic Sciences Program.  NIH is holding a Reddit "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) with Jennifer Doudna, Ph.D. and her research group, along with  National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) Centers for Excellence in Genomic Science (CEGS) program directors. They will answer questions about  her research, her new, NHGRI-funded Center for Genome Editing and Recording and the CEGS program. The AMA will take place on January 18, 2018, 1-3 PM EST.  (Genome.gov, 1/18)
 
This Week's Hearings

China's Pursuit of Emerging and Exponential Technologies. US House Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. 1/9/2018, 2 PM. Rayburn 2118. More

 

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