Public Health

Radiation emergencies require coordination from multiple sectors including public health. Health officials and agencies contribute to planning, response, recovery, and mitigation activities. Public health’s role during planning for a radiation incident will identify resources and mitigate the impacts of a sizeable incident. The size of the incident will determine the level of response efforts by public health.  Health agencies can also collect critical information and distribute health information to communities during emergencies. 

Partnership with public health for radiation emergencies is critical to a coordinated approach. Public health interfaces with radiation control programs during a radiological emergency. Organizations like the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD), the Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN), and the Health Physics Society help public health professionals connect with experts in radiation control at the state and local level.