The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council created a Disaster Preparedness Contact Network in 2008 to:

	Identify AAP members active and involved in disaster/emergency preparedness.
	Provide a mechanism (through an electronic mailing list) to share progress on AAP initiatives, resources, and opportunities regarding disaster preparedness.
	Create a forum of members who could support AAP initiatives by providing expertise, representing the AAP at meetings, presenting at conferences, identifying/reviewing resources, etc.

Through these efforts, the AAP strives to:

	Address disaster planning, response, rescue, and recovery. Reflect an "all-hazards" approach (ie, prepare for all potential disasters).
	Build systems at the medical home, community, local, state, regional, and national levels through partnerships with public health and other systems.
	Integrate its efforts with existing internal and external approaches.

The Contact Network includes more than 600 members and 15 pediatric disaster preparedness experts.

Contact Network Communications
View the September 2008 message.

View the October 2008 message.

Future Contact Network activities and opportunities will be posted here. For more information, or to join the Contact Network, e-mail DisasterReady@aap.org.