History

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) sponsored a roundtable entitled “Communication and Teamwork: Keys to Successful Radiological Emergency Response”, which recommended the development of an alliance of organizations to expand the nation’s radiological emergency preparedness capabilities, and to elevate recognition of the roles and responsibilities of public health agencies in a radiological emergency.

The CDC and CRCPD sponsored a workshop entitled “Alliance to Expand Radiological Emergency Preparedness in Public Health” with the aim of building an alliance among professional organizations for sharing radiological emergency preparedness resources, tools and information.

An exploratory committee concludes that a National Alliance for Radiation Readiness is a necessary and viable undertaking, and drafts a mission, vision, purpose, structure, governance, and business plan (Final Report).

NARR is officially launched though support provided by CDC.

On November 17, 2011, the NARR conducted a 1-day after action review of the U.S. public health system’s response to the Fukushima nuclear incident.  Approximately 70 federal, state, and local officials participated in the AAR and discussed communication, coordination, leadership, data access and interpretation, food safety, population monitoring, lab capacity, along with other sectors of the U.S. public health response to the Fukushima nuclear incident. The review led to the development of an After-Action Report which documents the discussions and outcomes from the meeting.

ASTHO led the development of a temporary, ad-hoc subgroup of the NARR, the Laboratory Taskforce. The Taskforce was formed to develop a list of considerations for laboratories in prioritizing samples (clinical, environmental, and other) following a radiological incident. The Taskforce had its inaugural call in February 2012 and continued to meet via conference call monthly through May 2012. ASTHO, along with APHL, compiled the final prioritization document which was approved by all Taskforce members, Prioritization of Laboratory Samples Following a Radiological Event: Considerations.

ASTHO conducted a table top exercise (TTX) to test and validate the traveler screening protocol developed by the NARR during the 2011 Fukushima emergency. After the exercise, NARR workgroups formed to shape the guidance. Workgroups were developed to address these four areas: bioassay, communications, emergency management, and Epidemiology and Screening. In May 2018, the NARR published, Guidance for Traveler Screening at Ports of Entry Following an International Radiological Incident.

In 2018, ASTHO led a work group of NARR members to develop a series of public health training modules highlighting radiation subject matter experts (SMEs). Radiation emergencies require an all-hazards response with necessary additions to protect responders and receivers, limit health impacts and save lives. These modules are formatted through the four phases of response and approach radiation emergencies from the perspective of a multidisciplinary response across coordinating sectors, National Alliance for Radiation Readiness Radiation Training Modules for Public Health.

Beginning in 2021, ASTHO and the NARR have supported the CDC in the development of clinical guidance for the administration of medical countermeasures, including cytokines, that will be needed to save lives following a nuclear detonation. A Working Group comprised of NARR members advises ASTHO staff conducting a systematic review of related published research and will contribute to the development and dissemination of a comprehensive, evidence-based, clinical framework that will aid medical responders maximize benefit to affected patients.