State Health Department Releases Influenza Pandemic Readiness Plan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Feb. 6, 2006
Contact: Michael Murphy, ADHS Public Information: (602) 542-1094Mary Ehlert, ADHS Public Information: (602) 364-1201
Emphasizing that preparedness is key to protecting Arizona residents and saving lives, Department of Health Services Director Susan Gerard today released an updated Influenza Pandemic Readiness Plan.
“An influenza pandemic would cause major disruptions to our health care system, schools, businesses, virtually every segment of society,” Gerard said. “This is the greatest public health challenge of our time, and we need to be prepared for the worst while hoping for — and working toward – the best possible outcome.”
Governor Napolitano said, “Having a plan in place to deal with a pandemic outbreak is essential to ensuring that government and the community know their role in keeping
infection to a minimum. Arizona is clearly ahead of the curve in preparedness, and the Department of Health Services continues to work diligently to update this information and keep it current.”
Arizona’s plan was first crafted in 2000 through a coordinated effort of ADHS, Arizona Division of Emergency Management, local health departments and other partners and stakeholders. It is also an annex to the Arizona State Emergency Response and Recovery Plan.
The latest version incorporates strategies recently developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
“This plan puts us on the road towards real preparedness, but there is much to do,’’ said State Epidemiologist David Engelthaler. “We need to shore up local government preparedness, continue to determine how to best use all the assets of the healthcare system, and, probably most importantly, ensure our communities – our businesses, our churches, our schools, and our families – are prepared.”
The plan outlines how ADHS will coordinate with local, state and federal agencies, other organizations and private institutions to “work in a coordinated and collaborative manner to ensure an effective overall response.” The Arizona plan is organized according to six phases of a pandemic, and describes activities that would occur in each phase.
The plan includes actions to detect the arrival of a new virus in Arizona, methods to coordinate medical care and steps to slow or further prevent spread of disease.
Key components include:
· Surveillance, epidemiology and laboratory diagnostics for early virus detection and control.
· Clinical guidelines for early identification and appropriate medical intervention for suspected pandemic influenza cases.
· Vaccine and antiviral distribution and use.
· A guide for local health departments to address response actions needed at the local level during the different phases of a pandemic.
· Community and travel-related disease control.
· Public health communications to provide accurate and timely coordinated messages.
· Surge capacity guidance and coordination for hospitals and other health care facilities.
· Workforce support.
· Influenza pandemic information management
The plan is available on the ADHS Web site, www.azdhs.gov. The web site also provides resources for individuals, families, faith based organizations, and businesses, including preparedness checklists.
ADHS will be continually soliciting input on this plan through a series of Regional Pandemic Influenza Coordinating committee meetings that will be held throughout 2006. To participate in one of these committees, go to www.azdhs.gov for more information.
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Website: Official Press Release