Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, North Carolina embarked on a commitment in strengthening the states disaster readiness and its capacities in responding to such events. To accomplish this mission, numerous local, regional, and state agencies have collaborated on multiple scenarios relating distinctively to events of terrorism and inclement weather. Specifically, four agencies have joined efforts to develop treatment and response phases of such events. The agencies include:

• North Carolina Office of Emergency Medical Services (NCOEMS)

• North Carolina Division of Emergency Management (NCEM)

• North Carolina Division of Public Health - Epidemiology & Communicable Disease (NCPH)

• Special Operations Response Team (SORT)

These agencies represent the management system responsible for coordinating a disaster response, ensuring that treatment and prevention strategies are implemented, as well as disease surveillance and medical preparedness.

The goal of this effort is to assure the North Carolina citizen that should a terrorist attack, natural disaster, or pandemic flu outbreak occur, medical care services will be available to protect public health and prevent spread of disease. Priorities include enhancing disease monitoring and investigation systems, improving communication capabilities among health agencies, and strengthening the medical response capacity.