West Virginia University’s VMC /Homeland Security Programs is offering three online bio-terrorism training and preparedness courses.

The self-paced courses, developed through support from the Health Resources Service Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provide training in terrorism recognition and reporting, multidisciplinary response and acute care needs of patients from weapons of mass destruction events.

The courses target the training and preparedness needs of healthcare professionals, emergency responders and public health professionals.

Each course is approximately two hours in length.

Information about the courses and how to log on to take each course can be accessed athttp://www.vmc.wvu.edu/hrsa/Participants can earn up to six free hours of CME /CEU credits by completing the courses.

September is National Preparedness Month, a nationwide effort held annually to encourage Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools. The effort is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the American Red Cross.

For more information about National Preparedness Month, visithttp://www.ready.gov/npm/index.htm.