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Getting Ready for Pandemic Flu
Press Release
May 8, 2006To The
Editor
Lately, there is a lot of attention about the threat of a pandemic of influenza
evolving from bird flu or otherwise. Nearly everyday we hear news reports about
the progression of avian flu across countries and continents and how serious it
would be if the current virus would mutate into a form that is easily
transmitted from person to person.
The good news is that Galveston County has already done a great deal of planning
for the possibility of pandemic flu. For a disaster situation, such as pandemic
flu, the Health District will play a lead role in the county emergency
management structure, to coordinate a health emergency response among local
hospitals, emergency management, Red Cross, local school districts, mental
health agencies and other organizations.
In the scenario of pandemic flu, our goal is to be prepared to vaccinate and/or
distribute antiviral medications through locations accessible to all county
residents at risk. While the Health District has plans and agreements in place
to accomplish this emergency goal, we clearly recognize that we can not do this
alone. We will depend on our health and emergency partners, and trained
volunteers, to help us to vaccinate or distribute medications at already
designated locations throughout the county. Being organized for a rapid
response is critical to curtail the spread of disease, hospitalization, and
deaths experienced in the history of flu pandemics.
To meet the need for volunteers, the Health District has formed a Galveston
County Medical Reserve Corps. The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps is to
establish a system for medical and public health volunteers to offer their
assistance throughout the year as well as during a public health emergency.
Anyone 18 years and older, with or without medical education/experience, can
join and play an important role. For more information or to join, Galveston
County residents may contact Brian Rutherford, Public Health Planner, at
409-938-2275 or
brutherford@gchd.org. Additional information is found at:
http://www.gchd.org/bt/mrc.htm.
Not only is pandemic flu a threat to the public’s health; it is also a threat to
the local economy. Privately owned businesses as well as public entities should
develop plans to operate their organizations assuming a 30% reduction in
workforce. These continuity plans should prioritize core operations, and provide
a plan for operating the organization with limited human resources. Guidance for
developing business plans can be found at
http://www.ready.gov/business/index.html.
As for county residents, be prepared to follow public health recommendations to
prevent spread. Be assured that as soon as a threat is identified, the health
district will communicate with the emergency and medical community, as well as
the general public. We anticipate informing the public about what we know, what
the risks are, and what to do, at every step as the pandemic evolves. As with
hurricanes and sheltering in place, we recommend that residents prepare an
emergency kit with food, water, and supplies needed for as long as 2 weeks.
Such a kit will be life sustaining in the event businesses are temporarily
closed or you are advised to stay home for until the public health threat has
subsided.The threat from pandemic flu is real and we need to be prepared. By following a
few simple precautions, developing plans, and volunteering to provide
assistance, our community will position itself to carry out a quick and
effective response and experience a speedy recovery from any impact of pandemic
flu or any other infectious public health threats.
Read the
published column
Harlan "Mark" Guidry, MD, MPH
CEO & Health Authority
Galveston County Health District
For More Information Contact:
Kurt Koopmann
Public Information Officer
Galveston County Health District
409-938-2211 or 409-392-0007
kkoopman@gchd.org |
