9/11 and now Katrina. Hospitals have been spending millions upon millions in the past few years on emergency preparedness: a greater stockpile of diesel to run generators, 72 hours worth of supplies always on hand, security and communications upgrades, etc.

But as this report from Boston shows, many of the country's hospitals are unprepared. As such, JCAHO announced a guide for less affluent hospitals to be prepared. Included in this checklist are things like: safeguarding important data, finding appropriate corporate partners in the community, and linking with mental health agencies/resources. Also, check out the Hospital Association of the Greater New York Area - they have successfully linked their areas hospitals so that resources can be redirected quickly in times of emergency. This may very well be a model for the nation.