Firefighters are taught to battle flames. Police learn to respond quickly to 911 calls. So why are so few health officials prepared for public health crises? Updated to consider the COVID-19 pandemic, The Public Health Crisis Survival Guide is here to help. Whether it's an infectious disease outbreak, a scathing news report, or a sudden budget calamity, this book gives public health readers an honest and practical overview of what to do when things go wrong -- not just to survive, but to lead and thrive in the most difficult circumstances. With examples drawn from history, recent headlines, and the author's own experience at the local, state, and federal levels, this book covers: · how to recognize, manage, and communicate in a crisis · how to pivot from managing a crisis to advocating for long-term policy change that can prevent the crisis from happening again · how to awaken a sense of crisis on a longstanding problem to generate momentum for change · taboo topics, including whether and how to apologize for mistakes Written by a voice of experience, practicality, good humor, and an eye toward the recent COVID-19 pandemic, The Public Health Crisis Survival Guide will be a source of enrichment and reassurance for the next generation of public health students and practitioners.

"Engaging, informative, and thought-provoking - as close to a page-turner as a professional publication can be. As a result, it could become foundational in the education and continuing education of public health professionals; it should." - American Journal of Public Health

"Essential reading ... A nuanced discussion about how health officials can accept responsibility and blame in a way that increases confidence in their leadership and in their organization." - Health Security