The US has faced a number of public health crises during the last decade, including anthrax attacks, SARS, and most recently the H1N1 influenza pandemic. These crises required attention from public health officials and political leaders. Sometimes the leadership during these crises was adequate and appropriate, while at other times it was lacking. Kahn (Princeton), a physician and researcher at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, provides an excellent overview of public health leadership during such crises. In the book's ten chapters, she discusses and defines leadership, the history and evolution of public health, the link between animal and human health, and how elected officials should be trained to deal with and communicate effectively with the public during crises. The author provides many illustrative examples of various crises that have occurred in the nation and points out the lessons learned from them. This well-written, thoroughly researched, and authoritative book will interest public health and medical professionals and public policy students, along with the general public.
Copyright American Library Association.