"On September the 11th, the world learned how evil men can use airplanes as weapons of terror. Shortly thereafter, we learned how evil people can use microscopic spores as weapons of terror. Bioterrorism is a real threat to our country."

President George W. Bush

June 12, 2002

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On June 12, 2002, President Bush signed H.R. 3448 - The Public Health Security and Bioterrorism Response Act of 2002. Across North Carolina, seven Public Health Regional Surveillance Teams (PHRST) have been formed in response to the nation's Bioterrorism preparation effort. These teams are funded by a $22.9 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and a $3.4 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.