Crisis Averted

The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks

By: Caitlin Rivers PhD

Narrated by: Jaime Lamchick

“Readers should come away from Crisis Averted with a better comprehension of what public health does and why it is such a crucial endeavor.”—The Washington Post

"A master class in how we can pinpoint and prevent health crises before they spiral out of control."—Scott Gottlieb, MD, author of Uncontrolled Spread

A fascinating window into the secret life of epidemiology, weaving together stories of triumph and tragedy, with a boots-on-the-ground perspective on how we can avert the next public health crisis

There are few visible markers of the accomplishments of public health. When epidemiologists do their jobs, nothing happens. An outbreak does not grow into an epidemic. A child does not go hungry. A would-be smoker never lights up. In this fascinating window into the secret life of public health, Caitlin Rivers weaves together stories of triumph and tragedy to show that by making sure things don't happen, she and legions of scientists, practitioners, and policymakers change the course of history.

We have many of the tools and experiences needed to prevent the next crisis, but as past experiences teach us, the unexpected is always around the corner. We cannot afford complacency, as countless challenges remain, including constantly emerging pathogens, the rapid growth of biotechnology, and the inconsistent cycles of funding for public health programs. Progress can be slow, but the unsung heroes in epidemiology remain focused on their missions. Crisis Averted tells their stories—from the eradication of smallpox in the twentieth century to a battle against mosquito-borne diseases in the Florida Keys to the international safeguards implemented against extraterrestrial germs.

By taking a candid look at how we solve problems in public health, Caitlin Rivers illuminates the role of epidemiology in all our lives and lays out the case for what can be accomplished given sufficient vision, leadership, and resources. Crisis Averted is an inspiring and galvanizing call for us to work together towards a healthier, more resilient future.

©2024 Caitlin Rivers (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Crisis Averted is Ms. Rivers’s ambitious and…successful attempt to reset our relationship with the field of public health. With a judicious blend of candor, hopefulness and pragmatism, she calls out its mistakes, reminds us of its historic accomplishments and emphasizes the need for the discipline to adjust its strategies if its full promise is to be realized.”—Wall Street Journal

“Few public health leaders have been as prophetic as Caitlin Rivers. She has been at the forefront of identifying the risks we face from pathogens, foretelling outbreaks, and guiding our responses with remarkable foresight. In Crisis Averted, Rivers offers a masterclass in how we can pinpoint and prevent health crises before they spiral out of control and use the tools of public health to reduce suffering from disease.”—Scott Gottlieb, M.D., author of Uncontrolled Spread

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, Caitlin Rivers became one of our most trusted voices in public health. Now her goal ‘is to make the threads of public health visible in the fabric of our lives.’ Through fascinating stories paired with compelling insights, she succeeds remarkably. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in public health—which should be all of us by now.”—Sandeep Jauhar, New York Times bestselling author of Heart and My Father's Brain