(May 20, 2008) – Dr. Francis Kateh, director of the Anson County Health Department was presented a Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security Leadership degree with emphasis in Public Health Disaster Preparedness earlier this month from the University of Connecticut.

"The university homeland security program offers concentration in transportation, security, water, human resource management and public health," said Dr. Kateh. "After Hurricane Katrina (which devastated parts of Mississippi and Louisiana), I thought I should study homeland security in the area of public health."

Kateh said, "My concentration in public health qualifies me to prepare the public for a disaster, whether natural or manmade -- such as terrorism or bio-terrorism. I can determine how credible the security is if there is a threat, such as an anthrax incident, and what the best way is to assure the safety of the people."

Kateh, who has been health director since May 2004, began his studies through UConn in January 2006. "At the beginning of each semester, I spent 10 days on campus to go over the curriculum for the remainder of the semester," he said, adding, "Then I worked on-line toward my degree." Prior to becoming the director of Anson County Health Department, Kateh served as the Medical Director of Ganta United Methodist Hospital in Liberia, West Africa. Dr. Kateh who has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree, Doctor of Medicine, Master of Health Administration claimed that this Master of Professional Studies in Homeland Security is the end for now.

Kateh resides in Wadesboro, North Carolina with his wife, Ophelia, and their children, Frances, 9, and Emmanuel, 6.

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