Dawona Hough, Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) program manager, keeps up the continuously updated requirements amid other fluctuations in budget and personnel involved in the program.

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) emergency response planners had no shortage of challenges when undergoing this year's Technical Assistance Review (TAR) conducted by the CDC.

Among the apparent obstacles were a decrease in funds, fewer persons onboard and a benchmark score of 95 out of 100 in 2011.

Despite the challenges, this year's report was delivered with a score of 96.

"It's always a great feeling when we can increase our level of preparedness," said Dawona Hough, Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) program manager. "We'll continue to strive to address those areas where we need improvement, but right now we are definitely in a good place."

Hough and others work year-round to prepare individuals in the state office and Georgia's 18 health districts for the TAR. The districts did exceptionally well this year with five -- North, North Georgia, Northwest, Northeast and East Metro -- scoring a perfect 100. The others were not far behind. This is particularly significant, Hough said, because all emergencies begin and end at the local level.

Scott Minarcine, emergency preparedness director, was among the first to congratulate Hough when the score was revealed.

"This is an amazing accomplishment for the SNS team and also reflects well upon those from the districts who do the exemplary work in ensuring the state is as prepared as possible for events of public health significance," Minarcine said. "The TAR increased an additional point over last year despite cuts in the SNS/CRI (Cities Readiness Initiative) budget and a realignment of staff which left the SNS Team with less staff than in years past."

While the score was welcome news for those who develop the plans that will be tested during upcoming drills and exercises, the report is also a positive note for all Georgians.

"The citizens of Georgia should rest assured that we are prepared in a time of need," said Hough. "Local public health as well as state public health are doing everything we can to be sure we are prepared in the event of a public health emergency. We do it all to ensure that we can protect the health of the citizens of Georgia."

-Story by Eric Jens, DPH Communications