Health Science Center establishes Center for Public Health Preparedness and Biomedical Research

The Health Science Center has taken another proactive step in combating bioterrorism while calming public fears. The institution launched the new Center for Public Health Preparedness and Biomedical Research (CPHPBR). The CPHPBR will educate the public and train local health care providers in bioterrorism prevention and treatment. It will also facilitate research for vaccines against bioterrorist agents.

“This center will work with metro and regional health authorities to prepare exercise scenarios and provide training opportunities for emergency responders, including physicians, nurses and emergency medical services personnel,” said Harold L. Timboe, M.D. “We also will provide presentations for the general public. We need to be ready for any eventuality, especially where it involves applying our health expertise.”

Dr. Timboe is the associate vice president for administration at the Health Science Center and the founding director of the CPHPBR.

“Dr. Timboe is an excellent choice because of his medical and public health background and his distinguished military career, which culminated in commands at Brooke Army Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Medical Center,” said Francisco G. Cigarroa, M.D., president. “This center will be uniquely tailored to the strengths of the Health Science Center, which offers many experts and programs of great value to the community and throughout South Texas in these challenging times.”

Chuck Rodriguez, Ph.D., assistant vice president for university relations, will serve as the deputy director for the center.