Rockville, MD – The Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health is committed to examining the details of individual disasters and public health crises. With the recent arrival of Ebola in the United States, the journal is launching a special issue on the virus. The journal will serve as an educated and authoritative voice on the virus, risk and threat level, potential of outbreak, preparation and response for the public and media.
The Journal of Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, began covering events in their entirety via special issues this fall. In doing so, the journal publishes in real time over the total extent of an event or crisis – from beginning to end. Due to the intensity surrounding the Ebola virus, coverage may extend beyond one special issue.
Global experts, responders, and scientific and medical professionals in both the Ebola virus and public health will support and supply content for this special and timely issue. Material will be published accordingly after review and will be open to all. Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Jim James begins with an editorial that discusses the role of Ebola in the greater picture of transitional public health. The issue will also feature works such as Global and Domestic Legal Preparedness and Response: 2014 Ebola Outbreak by Dr. James G. Hodge, as well as commentary from Dr. Frederick M. Burkle, Operationalizing Public Health Skills to Resource Poor Settings: Is this the Achilles Heel in the Ebola Epidemic Campaign?.
According to Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Jim James, "This is a new approach to publishing in a scientific reviewed medical journal. The need for such factual and timely scholarly coverage in modern times is especially critical. Far too often, the media must report on incomplete and/or inaccurate information often leading to the unintentional promulgation of misinformation that will often result in undue public alarm and unwarranted practices and policies. Providing expert information in a timely manner should have a positive impact on more effectively dealing with major events."