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Only five states are meeting all 10 preparedness indicators, according to the sixth annual Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Diseases, Disasters, and Bioterrorism report.

Louisiana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin all had perfect scores of 10.

The report, which was prepared by Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, scored all 50 states and the District of Columbia on readiness in 10 categories, including surge capacity, rapid disease detection, food safety, and vaccine and medication supplies and distribution.

The study found that despite making steady progress in previous years, states have been hurt by cuts in federal funding for preparedness.

The report, which is available online at www.HealthyAmericans.org, also concluded major gaps exist in critical areas.

Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont received scores of nine, while eights were given to Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Washington.

The worst grades of five out of 10 were given to Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Nebraska, and Montana.

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