Since the events of the September 11, 2001 attack, our lives have changed forever.  Practically everyone in this country and individualsoutside the United States has been affected by the tragic event.  Since the September 11 attack, two major events have occurred.  First, thehijacking of two American Airlines and two United Airlines planes in New York, Washington, and PA.  Secondly, the bio-terrorism that has materialized since the Florida Anthrax incident. 

          What is terrorism?  Terrorism is difficult to define but the FBI defines terrorism, as “Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violenceagainst persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political orsocial objectives.” 

          The last several years we have been exposed to another kind of terrorism.  With the bombing of the World Trade Center and the MurrahFederal Building in Oklahoma City, the use of chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear weapons have come into focus.  In current times,we have been exposed to bio-terrorism.  The definition of bio-terrorism comes from the University of Washington, School of Public Healthand Community Medicine.  They define it, as “Bio-warfare and bio-terrorism are the intentional or the alleged use of viruses, bacteria, fungiand toxins to produce death or disease in humans, animals or plants.” 

          Due to recent and current events it has become a sad realization how the United States is not well prepared for any kind of terrorism.  To effectively deal with the situation at hand and calm the public is an overwhelming task.  However, the situation presents itself as a great opportunity for scholars to research the effects of terrorism and hopefully be able to develop a clearer understanding of what terrorism willmost likely do not necessarily what they could do.  John Hopkins Center of Civilian Bio-defense Studies has developed a guide for health careproviders in response to bio-terrorism.  It covers what the hospitals, physicians, public health, municipal leaders should be aware of and followthrough with the suggested outline.  More detailed information can be found on the web at www.hopkins-biodefense.org/interim.html.  Other programs have evolved with finding solutions to deal with bio-terrorism because it enforces a different demand on our health care systems versus chemical, radiological or nuclear weapons.  Listed below are important websites and information: 
                   CDC Emergency Number (770) 488-7100 
                   CDC Emergency Chemical and Biological Hotline (770) 424-8802 
                   CDC’s Public Inquiry Number (404) 639-3534 
                   CDC’s bio-terrorism website; www.bt.cdc.gov 
          Additional, Jama has publications dealing with Anthrax, Botulinum Toxin, Plague, Small pox, and Tularemia as a Biological Weapon.   Further,  Saint Louis University School of Public Health is conducting research projects dealing with bio-terrorism and emerging infections in regards  to the health care community.  In regards to terrorism, FEMA has a Terrorism & Fact sheet.  St. Petersburg College has a curriculum called  National Terrorism Preparedness Training.  Other useful Government links are the 
                   Central Intelligence Agency 
                   U.S. Department of State 
                   U.S. Department of Justice 
                   U.S. Department of the Treasury 
                   U.S. Department of Transportation 
                   National Security Agency 
                   U.S. Postal Inspection Service 
                   Canadian Security Intelligence Service 

          Furthermore the Hazards Natural Center with the National Science Foundation has since the September 11 attack ongoing research dealing with the police organizations, ethnic issues, non-profit sector and their roles, community response, technology, public/private communications.   For a more detailed list go to www.colorado.edu/hazards. 

          In addition other research papers on terrorism can be found on 
          www.nature.com 
          www.house.gov 
          www.nap.edu 
          www.washingtonpost.com 
          www.naccho.org.