| Press Release |
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| March 30, 2006 |
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Governor Kulongoski releases updated plan on pandemic flu
Plan tells Oregonians how to prepare for outbreaks of disease
Portland, OR—Governor Ted Kulongoski today released an updated Pandemic Influenza Plan for Oregon, including an educational website about the pandemic flu and preparation guidance for Oregonians and their families, and urged all Oregonians to take steps to soften the impact of a flu pandemic on themselves and their families.
At the first-ever Pandemic Influenza Summit, the Governor also called for clear outlines of the roles that federal, state and local public health agencies must play if an outbreak occurs.
“My goal is to ensure that every Oregon citizen, every business, every non-profit organization and every school is ready for a pandemic outbreak,” the Governor said. “It is not enough to have good plans in place, because plans do not respond—people respond.”
Oregon’s Plan covers scenarios that would likely surround the outbreak of a pandemic, and clearly explains the state’s role in communication, surveillance, laboratory testing, vaccine and antivirals, travel advisories, community control measures and workforce support. As part of the Plan, the state provides technical support to local public health officials as they create their own disease-preparedness plans, which ultimately will be integrated into the state plan.
Joined by US Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt, Governor Kulongoski outlined the steps that Oregon is taking to prepare for the outbreak of an influenza pandemic. In addition to the newly updated Pandemic Influenza Plan, the state regularly conducts field tests to prepare for a disaster.
Last November, Oregon participated in a Strategic National Stockpile exercise to test the ability of state and local officials to work together to move vaccines and medications quickly to communities. Oregon has also developed a Secure Health Alert Network website to expedite communications between hospitals and public health entities in emergency situations.
The state has developed a “Hospital Capacity Website” to track the availability of emergency room beds in 60 hospitals throughout Oregon, together with medical supply capacities. The state is also developing a Volunteer Healthcare Registry to allow licensed healthcare workers to register in advance to help provide medical care during a public health emergency.
The Governor stressed that everyone has a role to play in protecting the health and safety of our families, employees and coworkers.
“Today’s preparations can and will determine tomorrow’s outcomes,” the Governor said. “It is not in our interest to alarm anyone, but we do want people to know what to do in case there is an outbreak of the flu. This summit is an opportunity for us to exchange information, update plans and make the public aware of the threats.”
Information on how to prepare for an influenza outbreak can be found on the Governor’s website at http://governor.oregon.gov
Media Contacts:
Lonn Hoklin (503.378.6169)
Anna Richter Taylor (503.378.6496)
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