Since Sept. 11, 2001, disaster response has become a major public health priority for the country. The National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health takes seriously its role in preparing the public health work force and communities to face possible catastrophic events, while helping to integrate preparedness efforts into the nation’s existing infrastructure.

Founded in 2003 under the direction of Irwin Redlener, MD, associate dean for public health advocacy and disaster preparedness at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, The National Center for Disaster Preparedness is a recognized leader in preparedness and develops model preparedness programs that are being replicated by partners across communities locally, nationally and internationally.

The National Center for Disaster Preparednes' mission is to be an academically-based resource center dedicated to the study, analysis and enhancement of the nation's ability to prepare for and respond to major disasters, including terrorism. The Center has a wide-ranging research, training and education, and advocacy agenda. Center researchers are studying the responses to September 11, Katrina, and other disasters, including the tsunami in Southeast Asia and the potential for pandemic flu, to secure important information for policy change and the creation of new response models to help governments, first responders and individuals be better prepared for future crises.