Rx Response Director Erin Mullen, R.Ph., Ph.D., had the opportunity recently to participate in a classified roundtable discussion with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in her capacity as one of three private sector leaders of the Healthcare Sector Coordinating Council (HSCC).

The HSCC is a public-private partnership created by the Departments of Homeland Security and Health and Human Services to increase coordination between the government and the private sector in addressing protection of healthcare and public health as a part of the critical infrastructure of the United States.

As Rx Response Director, Mullen has worked closely with the HSCC over the past 18 months and this interaction led to her nomination to serve as Co-Chairperson of the organization. Secretary Napolitano’s roundtable meeting with HSCC members was part of a series of roundtable meetings she is holding with private sector leaders to discuss critical infrastructure security.

“Securing our nation’s critical infrastructure is vital to maintaining the safety of communities across the country,” said Secretary Napolitano. “DHS is committed to working with federal, state, local, territorial and tribal partners, the private sector and the public to protect against threats to these assets—from cyber networks to drinking water.”

Mullen said the meeting with Napolitano underscores the value of her continuing leadership role with the HSCC. “The work I do as Co-Chair of the HSCC helps ensure that key federal emergency management officials remain aware of the important role Rx Response can play in protecting public health during a severe emergency.”

Mullen said she and her fellow HSCC leaders had the opportunity to discuss with the Secretary the importance of information sharing between the private sector and DHS in helping to protect critical infrastructure.

[END]