To enhance California’s preparedness and response to bioterrorism, outbreaks of infectious diseases, and other public health threats and emergencies. Funding will provide for the completion of preparedness planning and assessment functions, development of operational plans for the Strategic National Stockpile (a national repository of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies designed to supplement and re-supply State and local health agencies in the event of a national emergency within the US or its territories), detailed training and tools to perform epidemiological investigations, enhancements to surveillance and laboratory capacities, development of a risk communication system, delivery of ongoing training of public health and health care providers, continued buildout of the DHS health alert network, and development of a local assistance program with substantial resources directed to local health jurisdictions. It will also focus on the capacity and ability of hospitals, emergency medical systems, and poison control centers to respond to bioterrorism events.