ND improves emergency preparedness and response

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — New federal data show North Dakota has improved its public health emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly 90 percent of states and localities demonstrated the ability to quickly staff emergency centers during drills, exercises or real incidents.

The CDC says an effective response plan requires that health officials must consider the needs of each state's population.

In North Dakota, the CDC says 7.9 percent of adults reported having asthma, 7.6 percent have diabetes, 5.6 percent have heart disease and 2.4 percent had a stroke. Seventeen percent of North Dakotans reported a limiting disability and 67.4 percent were overweight or obese.

Tags: daily updates, north dakota, news, safety, health