Ready or Not 2025: Protecting the Public’s Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterriorism, a report by Trust for America’s Health (TFAH), evaluates states’ preparedness for a variety of health emergencies based on 10 key indicators, including healthcare system readiness, public health funding, laboratory surge capacity, employee access to paid time off, and the statefy of community water systems. Among these key indicators evaluated in the report, EMAP accreditation stands out as a benchmark of institutional quality for state emergency management programs. The report highlights that most states have achieved either EMAP or PHAB (Public Health Accreditation Board) accreditation, which reflects a state’s commitment to meeting rigorous national standards, engaging in continuous improvement, and establishing clear operational protocols.
By incorporating EMAP accreditation into its performance framework, the report brings greater transparency and accountability to emergency preparedness assessments. EMAP-accredited states are often better equipped to manage complex health threats due to their adherence to comprehensive evaluation criteria that span planning, coordination, and incident management. This structured approach enables more effective emergency response and ensures that agencies can adapt to evolving crises. As a result, EMAP’s inclusion in the Ready or Not report reinforces its value as a critical driver of resilience and a key pillar in building public trust and institutional readiness.
Read more about TFAH’s full report here.