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Byron J. Good, the author of this book is currently a professor of Medical Anthropology at Harvard, with his research focusing on mental health services development in Asian societies, particularly in Indonesia. He has done collaborative work with the International Organization for Migration on developing mental health services in post-tsunami and post-conflict Aceh, Indonesia. More broadly, he works on the theorization of subjectivity in contemporary societies.

It addresses concerns over safety of a potential nuclear disaster at Indian Point, as well as how many emergency response districts feel unprepared in education, manpower, and funding for prepartation and response to such an event.

Miriam heavily references an article published by MSF about what they could have done better post-Congo

She also references media analysis and reports by other humanitarian organisations on the same topic.

Finally she uses this knowledge to argue that humanitarian aid and/or politics needs rethinking because of these faults in incorporating gender-based issues

The policy addresses the support and funding provided by the federal government to victims of a disaster, including the basic needs such as food, water, and access to health care through responding organizations. This policy focuses on the coordination between responding groups as well as the long term funding and support systems that will be in place to aid survivors with rebuilding.

On a day to day basis as a healthcare professional, this isn’t very important outside of a teaching and understanding standpoint. A disease is, first and foremost, a disease, and needs to be treated accordingly. While healthcare professionals should educate their patients about risk factors that could lead to their increased likelihood of illness, as well as understand and appreciate why some populations are more vulnerable than others, it does not assist in direct disease treatment.

They used literature, expert interviews, and experiences, and through two workshops, organized the information into a cohesive and succinct description of the challenges of this research and why it is or may be happening.

This organization does not respond to disasters, but rather provides long term assistance to members of the military and their families. The issues faced by veterans, both medical and social, are often chronic and require a lifetime of support. This is in a way a constant emergency for them and their families, and the US Department of Veteran Affairs aims to provide the necessary support.

The WHO, a well respected organization, pushed for a similar framework of 'public health security'.

Legislation in the United States that supported a global model of health care in order to address pandemics and other hazards.

Growing issues with pathogenicity and mutability in diseases that makes it harder to deal with retroactively instead of proactively.

The article focuses on the inherent necessity for emergency response to include community education, risk assessment, and premade policies that designate decision making authority in the event of a disaster, while also acknowledging the inherent unpredictability of emergencies that require flexible response plans. Emphasis is placed on the need for rapid response, and the importance of safeguarding expertise through training and records. 

The bibliography, and passages in the article, indicate that the author spent a considerable amount of time interviewing workers at Chernobyl during the initial disaster, workers involved in the continuing maintenance efforts, as well as doctors and policymakers involved in the health care system for those with radiation exposure.