Maryland will receive $19 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to prepare for a possible bioterrorist attack, officials announced yesterday.

The federal money will be used to strengthen the public health system, improve disease reporting, expand laboratory testing, train workers and hold emergency drills.

One key goal is to get vaccines or antibiotics from the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile to the entire population within three to five days of an attack, officials said.

Of the new funds, $8 million will be passed on to local health departments and $2 million to hospitals.

The rest will be spent by the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.