Pandemics and disasters: Lessons for the future
When a public health emergency strikes, how does the federal government respond? Dawn O’Connell, who served as assistant secretary for preparedness and response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services throughout the Biden administration, shared her insights in this fireside chat. During her tenure as assistant secretary, O’Connell handled not only the COVID pandemic, but dozens of natural disasters, more than 400 cybersecurity incidents, and 20 public health emergencies. She offered an inside view of those responses, shared lessons learned, and reflected on what the U.S. should be doing now to prepare for the next emergency.
SPEAKER
Dawn O’Connell, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2021-2025)
MODERATOR
Howard Koh, Harvey V. Fineberg Professor of the Practice of Public Health Leadership, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
