Join the Partnership – Workplace Preparedness

Marge Sutinen was recently interviewed for a newspaper article dealing with terrorism. In this article she points out "We've had five people die (from anthrax) since September 11th, yet we had mass hysteria that lasted several months. "

Sutinen says she certainly understands those fears. But she knows from her AIDS training and her past work with local chapter of the American Red Cross that education is one of the most powerful weapons of all in dealing with fear. And that once you empower people with knowledge and teach them to respond to a potential threat, they're able to control such fears and proceed with their lives.

Most work places have emergency plans for fires, tornadoes and chemical spills. But even now, four months after September 11, many still aren't equipped to cope with the so-called "NBCs"--nuclear, biological or chemical attacks--designed to create widespread panic and confusion in addition to killing as many people as possible.

"Quite frankly, I felt helpless on Sept. 11, I don't feel helpless today. "

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