Is Santa Barbara County prepared to deal with the next epidemic or the threat of bioterrorism?
A new Santa Barbara County Grand Jury report says the answer is no.
According to the Grand Jury, the County Health Department’s preparedness for another epidemic, or bioterrorism, has many shortcomings.
In a new 15-page report, the Grand Jury contends that the agency doesn’t have the latest computer software needed for the early detection of potential epidemic risks.
The report says the Health Department should do consistent wastewater testing to help spot potential dangers.
It also says the county hasn’t established effective communications with federal, state, and regional agencies to monitor bioterrorism threats.
The report calls on the County Board of Supervisors to intervene. It wants the board to require the health department to get new monitoring software, do more wastewater testing, and take other steps to protect against potential epidemic and bioterrorism threats.
