A boost in funding is helping equip first responders for potential disasters in the future.

The New York State Assembly awarded a $250,000 capital grant to the New York Medical College Center for Disaster Medicine.

"Bioterrorism or biologic agents are a real threat," said David Markenson, Medical Director, Center for Disaster Medicine. And we have to worry about biological agents either by a terrorist or by natural evolution as we saw in the pandemic."

The center, which provides training to first responders and medical personnel, assists to handle disasters ranging from hurricanes to mass shootings. The grant will go toward purchasing new equipment and enhancing the center’s simulation training.

"That cutting edge research can be in the hands of hosptials, first responders, businesses right away and be put into action so no matter what happens they are able to respond," added Markenson. "It helps the participant practice what they've learned in a scenario where they feel a little bit less stressed,” said George Contreras, assistant director of the Center for Disaster Medicine.

The Center for Disaster Medicine was created following 9/11.