Not quite ready for in-person courses? Take one of our virtual courses! Students taking an online course should plan on joining classes virtually as online courses are synchronous and run central time.

2026 Virtual Courses

Week 2

Planning for Urgent Threats

Cheryl Petersen-Kroeber

PUBH 7221 Section 101 Class #86552
May 26 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
May 27, 28, 29 (8 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
1 Credit or 15 CE contact hours
This course will be offered in a synchronous online classroom format.

Public concern over the impact of disease outbreaks, environmental disasters and exposures, and the potential for intentional use of biologic, chemical, radiological, or explosive devices has led to an increased emphasis on the role of public health in disaster preparedness and response. Public health agencies, working collaboratively with colleagues in other disciplines, are front-line workers in early detection, taking action during a disaster, and supporting long-term assessment and recovery for all types of hazards. New activities of managing national or local supply stockpiles, coordinating patient care and supporting volunteer programs have expanded the traditional roles of public health in emergency preparedness. This course explores the role of public health in disaster preparedness, response and recovery and how planning and preparing public health agencies for managing the crisis, provides a foundation for effective response such as providing surge capacity to maintain public health and healthcare functions and assisting a community’s recovery from a disaster.