Conference set to plan
for diseases, disaster

Galveston Daily News
Published - 08/14/04
From Staff Reports

The Galveston County Health District and collaborators are planning a conference on "Diseases and Disasters: Are We Ready?"

The conference, set for Sept. 1, is designed to bring together public and private groups that would have a role in responding to disease outbreaks, possible acts of terrorism and natural disasters such as hurricanes and flooding.

Attendees will hear presentations and participate in planning sessions to improve the readiness of Galveston cities and the county for responding to emergencies.

Attendees will include local elected officials, members of the County Boards of Health, health department staff, medical professionals, hospital infection control personnel, public information officers, law enforcement, military units and volunteers.

Key collaborators will be members of the Galveston County Emergency Response Collaborative, which has been meeting since February to plan for such emergencies.

Members include the Galveston County Health District, the University of Texas Medical Branch, Devereux Hospital, Galveston County Office of Emergency Management, Galveston County Sheriff's Office, Mainland Medical Center, the Galveston Shriners Hospital, the American Red Cross and municipal emergency management representatives.

"By working together as a group, we have the opportunity to share information and collaborate in planning so we will be better prepared to face future threats," said Brian Rutherford, the health district's public health planner and group facilitator.

The keynote speaker at the conference will be Dr. Mary desVignes-Kendrick, deputy director of the Center for Biosecurity and Public Health Preparedness at the UT School of Public Health in Houston. Kendrick will discuss her experiences as the director of the city of Houston's health department during the anthrax scares following Sept. 11 and about other public health emergencies.

What: "Diseases and Disasters: Are We Ready?"

When: 9 a.m. Sept. 1.

Where: Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W. Walker St. in League City.

Registration: $15 and covers the cost of lunch and refreshments.

Information: Call (409) 938-2208 or go online www.gchd.org/bt/d&dbrochure.pdf.

Read the press release