The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) supported an assessment of the State’s emergency preparedness, planning, and readiness. An examination of the State’s public health and medical infrastructure was a fundamental step in assessing Illinois’ preparedness. In March 2000, the Department conducted a mail survey of the State’s 219 hospitals (excluding psychiatric and rehabilitation hospitals) and its 94 local health departments. Ninety-eight percent of the hospitals responded, along with all of the State’s 94 local health departments. Analysis of the survey results will assist the Department in efforts to help hospitals develop bioterrorism response plans and procedures; provide training to hospital staff; acquire and distribute Federal funding; and prepare statewide emergency response procedures. This initial assessment effort was encouraging but revealed many new and unaddressed needs posed by the threat of bioterrorism. The OST provides Federal, State, and local law enforcement and corrections agencies access to the best technologies available and helps them develop capabilities essential to improving efficiency and effectiveness. Several technology efforts were initiated, including threat assessment, chemical/biological equipment guidelines, personal alarm monitor, standards development, first responder escape mask, flying plate disrupters, improved bomb robots, and explosive diagnostics. The Navy Environmental Health Center and the Navy Environmental and Preventative Medicine Units have developed the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Environmental (CBRE) Casualty Care Course for medical personnel supporting emergency operations. The course was designed to provide medical personnel with the essential skills to manage casualties, whether in the hospital or field settings. The three-day course is designed for emergency responders who might provide treatment to CBRE casualties. The course covers CBRE casualty medical management and includes thought-provoking interactive exercises.