1. Chemical Laboratory Response Network
Explain the relationship of PHEP Program to the Laboratory Response Network - Chemical Program (LRN-C)
Describe the current status of the LRN-C
Discuss options to sustain the capability of the LRN-C to test human samples and report accurate, actionable results during a chemical emergency

2. PHEP Program Relationship to the LRN-C
In partnership with the CDC National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), the CDC PHEP Program sustains a state/territorial based Chemical Laboratory Response Network
The CDC PHEP Program has provided targeted funding to sustain the LRN-C since 2002
The LRN-C comprises a total of 45 state/territorial-based laboratories with three levels of capability
$11.5M per year is currently carved out from the PHEP cooperative agreement for Level 1 capability
PHEP Program awardees utilize additional state/local/territorial discretionary and grant funds to sustain the network*
* Use of discretionary (state/local) and other grant funding to support the network has been anecdotally communicated to the CDC

3. Laboratory Response Network – Chemical OverviewVT WA ME MT ND MN NH OR WI NY SD MA ID MI CT RI WY PA IA NJ NE OH
New York City NV IL IN WV DE UT VA MD CO KS MO KY CA NC
Washington, DC TN OK AZ NM AR SC MS AL GA TX LA
Los Angeles FL
# of Labs
Toxic Metal Capacity
Level 1 10
Up to 1000
Level 2 35
Up to 500
Level 3 9
----
Alaska
Hawaii
Puerto Rico

4. Recent Chemical and Toxicant Threats

5. Expiring LRN-C Toxic Metal Equipment
Expiring LRN-C Toxic Metal Equipment
ISSUE
In 2017, LRN-C Toxic Metal Equipment (ICP-MS) will no longer have service support from the manufacturer
LRN-C’S NETWORK IMPACT
~30% of local and state programs affected:
Chemical Emergency Response
Exposures in children and at-risk populations (i.e. Blood Lead, Mercury, Arsenic, etc.)
Food and environmental testing programs
Exposures to First Responders in call of duty
Courtesy of James Gathany
Courtesy of Aaron Sussell

6. Michigan Toxic Metal Response
FY 16 Michigan’s SPHL
Sample Matrix
Blood Lead Program
Filter Paper
Whole Blood
Total Specimens
17,935
2,607
City of Flint
701 59
Environmental Lead Program
Soil
Dust Wipes
357 61
488
Courtesy of Jake May

7. Colorado Toxic Metal Response
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
Colorado Toxic Metal Response
August 2015 Colorado’s SPHL
Gold King Mine toxic waste water spills into Cement Creek and Anima River affecting towns of Durango (pop. 16,887) and Silverton (pop. 637)
In August 2015 Colorado’s SPHL analyzed:
146 samples environmental samples
The SPHL were able to respond within 36 hours of the incident (net cost of approx. $30,000) to help make rapid health related decisions
Chemical Threat program staff and resources were utilized for this activity

8. Discussion
The initiative to replace toxic metal and nerve agent testing equipment must be completed by 2020, and additional partnerships are vital to sustain capability
Request that NGA, NEMA, ASTHO and NACCHO members and constituents promote the LRN-C equipment refresh initiative
Stimulate joint decision-making between Governors, Homeland Security Advisors, Emergency Managers and Senior Health Officials to determine jurisdictional LRN-C sustainment priorities
Consider special emphasis on sustainment within high-priority UASI jurisdictions and assure they are factored within jurisdictional risk assessments (e.g., THIRA)
Coordinate language within interagency preparedness grants and cooperative agreements