Pandemic Preparedness Planning

The Health and Human Services Department held a forum for state and local officials to discuss pandemic preparedness planning. Among the topics addressed were threats posed by the avian influenza, assessments of risk posed to the U.S. by diseases found in other countries or regions, emergency preparedness and coordination, and efforts to educate the public about the nature of threats and appropriate responses.

In the afternoon portion of the day-long event state and local officials, federal government representatives, and members of relief organizations talked about potential responses to a potential avian flu pandemic, public concerns about the virus, and preparedness and prevention programs. Following their remarks they answered questions from the audience. close