MSDH's Bureau of Emergency Planning and Response has worked to significantly improve Mississippi's emergency response capability. In place now are:

• Two Biosafety Level 3 laboratories with advanced pathogen detection equipment

• 17 Weapons of Mass Destruction Centers of Excellence in hospitals across the state

• The satellite-based Health Alert Network, connecting 13,000 Mississippi physicians and facilities to coordinate information and activities

• A distribution system for emergency medication from the Strategic National Stockpile

• State and regional bioterrorism response plans overseen by nine Public Health Emergency Response Coordinators

• Nurses trained in bioterrorism issues and diseases in every public health district

• 24/7 information hotline (1-866-HLTHY4U)