In this edition of Wilson Center NOW we are joined by Richard Besser, a medical doctor who serves as President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. He is also a former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Besser discusses what the US can do to better prepare for pandemics such as COVID-19, while highlighting past government and nonprofit responses to infectious outbreaks. Alex Long, a Program Associate specializing in public health for the Wilson Center’s Science and Technology Innovation program, also joins the discussion.