The Local Technical Assistance Review and Michigan’s Region 5: A Burden or a Benefit?

Abstract

Post 9/11 the U.S.A. has poured millions into Emergency Preparedness. While it is important to ensure that the nation is prepared in the event that another tragic incident like 9/11 occurs again; there has been discussion that the funding is reducing the effectiveness of public outreach and community preparedness. One tool that is used to evaluate readiness is the Local Technical Assistance Review (LTAR). While this tool is reserved for large metropolitan areas, Michigan requires that all health departments undergo the evaluation, potentially forcing funds away from other programs. This project examined the following:

The effectiveness of the LTAR in Michigan on improving LTAR Scores. The impact of the LTAR on community outreach and development.