Three medical experts will discuss Anthrax and Bioterrorism in a public forum at the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday, October 22.

“People across the country are upset and confused about the recent outbreak of anthrax cases and hoaxes. While heightened awareness is necessary, it’s our hope that through this public forum we can share accurate and timely information and address concerns,”said John Prescott, MD, president of University Health Associates and author of a textbook chapter on bio-terrorism that is widely used to train emergency medical technicians.

Dr. Prescott will be one of three physicians discussing bioterrorism at Monday’s seminar and fielding questions from the audience regarding anthrax and other bioterrorism agents.

He will be joined by Janet Williams, MD, director of West Virginia University’s Center for Rural Emergency Medicine and author of a study regarding hospital preparedness for bioterrorism that recently received international coverage.

Infectious disease specialist Melanie Fisher, MD, will also participate in the forum. Dr. Fisher is the director of West Virginia University’s International Health Program, which trains doctors from around the world to recognize, treat, and control diseases and epidemics.

The forum is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Health Sciences Center Auditorium, which is near the Pylon Entrance of the Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center on Medical Center Drive in Morgantown.

Anyone with questions about the event can call the WVU HealthLine at 1-800-982-8242.