Formed in 2007 in response to Homeland Security Presidential Directive 21: Public Health and Medical Preparedness, the Forum on Medical and Public Health Preparedness for Disasters and Emergencies convenes and engages leaders at federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial levels representing government, non-profit, and for-profit sectors to improve the nation’s medical and public health preparedness for, response to, and recovery from disasters and emergencies, including emerging threats. Since then, the Forum has served as a vital space for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices; and for facilitating the discussion of key issues, policy review, and collaborative assessments of national readiness.