Uncertain Science and Certain Deadlines: CDC Responses to the Media During the Anthrax Attacks of 2001

Abstract

This paper presents a study in which communication personnel for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided first-hand accounts of the experience of responding to media inquiries during the 2001 anthrax attacks. In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 communication professionals who worked either at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta or at field locations in the U.S. where persons were exposed to anthrax. The interviews sought CDC staff viewpoints on how the CDC handled a historically unprecedented level of press activity in terms of work locations and equipment, information flow and clearance, and staff roles. Staff reported that the situation led to new work practices, tools for performing the work, and an enhanced understanding of what it takes to be prepared for and to handle communication work during a terrorism-related health crisis. The paper provides a discussion of implications of the findings for CDC and for other public health organizations developing systems for communication response during health-related crises.