As we reflect on the impact that Hurricane Melissa had on islands in the Caribbean, there must be a continued investment in preparedness, and that’s just what the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is doing: standing ready, able, and fully equipped to support humanitarian efforts.

At the heart of ASPR’s mission is a sacred charge: to save lives and protect Americans from public health and medical threats. From pandemics to bioterrorism, from chemical attacks to natural disasters, ASPR leads the entire federal government in preparedness because waiting is not an option. The administration’s trust in ASPR’s abilities has transformed that mission into a living, breathing reality.