Bioterrorism to be Discussed at A&M International

Recent events have brought chemical warfare and bioterrorism to the forefront of public discussion. To help answer questions and distribute accurate, timely information, Texas A&M International University is presenting a special session of The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) Mini-Medical School, entitled "Bioterrorism: An Overview of Medical Aspects and Community Preparedness."

This session will be broadcast from San Antonio and received in Laredo at the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade's state-of-the-art distance-learning classroom, room 116, from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, October 22, 2001. It is free and open to the public.

The distance education classroom is fully interactive and participants will be able to ask questions and voice concerns to speakers and panelists from the Health Science Center, the military and the community.

The program will feature short lectures about biological weapons, the feasibility of chemical or biological threats, and the state of preparedness to meet them.

Speakers include Dr. Charles Bauer, professor of surgery and emergency medicine, UTHSCSA; Mike Miller, City of San Antonio assistant fire chief and emergency management coordinator; Dr. Chip Riggins, regional director of Public Health Region VIII, Texas Department of Public Health; Col. Rasa Silenas, M.D., director of medical homeland security, the Office for Applied Solutions in Operational Medicine, USAF, among others.

For more information, please contact Dr. Fernando Quintana, chair of A&M International's department of natural sciences, at 326.2589, visit offices in Dr. F.M. Canseco Hall, room 304 or email fquintana@tamiu.edu.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu