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"Communities across America are looking for information and resources to help them plan for a flu pandemic. This database will be a vital contribution to those efforts," said Isaac Weisfuse, MD, MPH, deputy commissioner, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, who served as an Advisory Committee member and reviewer on this project.

Planners can examine and download pandemic flu planning materials and use or adapt them to fit local needs. The database allows cities, counties, states, hospitals, clinics and community organizations to find materials that may enhance their pandemic preparedness. Even agencies whose work is included can benefit from the work of others. For example, communities that have developed strong risk communications practices can learn from their peers who have focused on expanding the health care workforce to meet the needs of an influx of patients.

"There are strong examples throughout the database of innovative practices developed in one part of the country that would be applicable elsewhere. Big cities can learn from rural towns, and this project highlights that," said Sue Urahn, managing director, the Pew Center on the States. "By sharing practices, we strengthen the likelihood that as a nation we will be able to effectively manage a public health crisis, while saving lives and protecting the viability of communities."

"North Carolina currently has a number of practices included in this database, yet I've already seen practices from other agencies that we can put to use," said Advisory Committee member Leah Devlin, DDS, MPH, division director and state health director, Division of Public Health, North Carolina. "Sharing the great work of our peers strengthens public health."

The practices in this project have all been peer-reviewed. Twenty-seven experts conducted reviews, including CIDRAP staff, a diverse group of national reviewe
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