The Texas A&M Health Science Center Office of Homeland Security addresses issues related to homeland security and human health such as providing a professional “second response” for biological or bioterrorist emergencies involving Texas, assisting police, fire and other emergency workers. It also provides information and training on a variety of health issues as they relate to terrorism and homeland security.

Established in 2002, HSC-OHS outreach efforts have increased significantly. It provided seven continuing education programs to 710 participants in 2005, compared to one program with 450 participants in 2003.

Earlier this year, in partnership with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the HSC-OHS hosted two, two-day training programs to provide insight into suicide bombers and corresponding emergency preparedness. Each program – designed for advanced levels of government and security personnel, security managers of government buildings, schools and safety officers, and law enforcement – was highlighted by Tal Hanan, international counter-terrorism expert specializing in prevention and response to suicide bombings.

The HSC-OHS and Sheriffs’ Association of Texas hosted a “road show” of this training program in six Texas cities – Dallas, Austin, Amarillo, El Paso, San Antonio and Houston – in July 2006.