9/11: a healthcare provider's response.

Disaster preparedness is a fundamental responsibility of all hospitals, but the events of September 11 and the continuing threat of terrorism have redefined what institutions must consider in serving as a resource for their communities. The role of the hospital in disaster preparedness has clearly been expanded. This article describes the Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers' response to 9/11 and subsequent events and details lessons learned that can help shape preparedness plans to deal with the new realities the United States now faces.