REAC/TS retains PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre designation Centres must be redesignated every four years and meet multiple criteria

January 21, 2020

The Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS) received its redesignation as a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) Collaborating Centre recently. 

Collaborating Centres serve as key institutions throughout the world providing relevant expertise and functioning as an extension of the international public health agency’s mission to improve health outcomes for all people.

REAC/TS has been a PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for radiation emergency assistance since 1980. The centres must be redesignated every four years by fulfilling multiple criteria, including:

• high scientific and technical standing at national and international levels;
• prominent place in the country's health, scientific, or educational structures;
• high quality of scientific and technical leadership;
• strong working relationships with other institutions in the country and at intercountry, regional and global levels;
• clear ability, capacity, and readiness to participate in international cooperative activities;
• a clear technical and geographical relevance of both the institution and its activities to WHO’s program priorities.

REAC/TS Director Dr. Carol Iddins will continue to serve as head of the PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for radiation emergency assistance.

“REAC/TS has been very fortunate to have a strong, long-standing affiliation with the WHO Radiation Emergency Medical Preparedness and Assistance Network (REMPAN) and a close working relationship with Dr. Zhanat Carr, WHO Radiation Program, Department of Public Health and Environment,” Dr. Iddins said. “This relationship is crucially important to already have in place, because we realize when an incident occurs it can affect the global population.”

About REAC/TS

REAC/TS is an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education facility managed by ORAU for the U.S. Department of Energy with the mission to strengthen the medical response to radiological and nuclear incidents. REAC/TS provides 24/7 medical support and deployment to provide emergency medical consultation for incidents involving radioactive materials and ionizing radiation worldwide. REAC/TS also conducts ongoing research into the biological effects of radiation and provides continuing medical education for healthcare providers, other professionals and students.