"Pandemic flu doesn't fit neatly under one governmental department's responsibility. The fact is it's all of our responsibility—policymakers, educators, parents, healthcare providers—all of us." "When it comes to preparing our school community—from pre-school all the way to college—there are three key steps to take: One, talk to your local health officials and work together to develop a plan. Then secondly, train your teachers and administrators to implement the plan. And finally, teach students and parents so they understand what to do in the event of a pandemic."

		Pandemic Preparation Checklists for Preschools, Schools, and Colleges

Raleigh, N.C. — Good morning everyone, and thank you, Secretary Leavitt, for that introduction. Governor Easley, it's good to see you again. I would also like to say hello to North Carolina Health and Human Services chief Carmen Hooker Odom, state superintendent June Atkinson, and North Carolina PTA President Debra Horton.

It's great to be back here in North Carolina. I figured out since becoming Education Secretary I've been to North Carolina five times—the most of any state; including my home state of Texas! Maybe it has something to do with the fact; it's the closest place to get some good barbecue (even if it's not Texas barbecue). And, of course, my oldest daughter is in college here.

Whatever the reason, I am glad to be with all of you this morning and I want to thank you for coming. At the federal level, we will do everything we can to make sure you have the resources and support you need in the event of a pandemic outbreak.

But as the folks on the ground when disaster strikes, it's so important that you prepare for what many scientists see as the inevitable. And I know that's what you're doing, and I want to commend you for it and encourage you to take it to the next level.

Because we must be ready. And detailed, strategic preparation is key to your safety and the safety of those you serve.

Secretary Leavitt and HHS have taken the lead on our pandemic flu planning work and have done a tremendous job. Mike, I think you've covered about half the country now in less than four months—holding similar summits to inform and instruct those who are on the frontlines of safeguarding our communities. I appreciate your leadership on this issue.

Pandemic flu doesn't fit neatly under one governmental department's responsibility. The fact is it's all of our responsibility—policymakers, educators, parents, healthcare providers—all of us.

And that's true from the top on down. Which is why at the federal level—we're working together across departmental lines—education, agriculture, transportation, on and on—to make sure our efforts are coordinated and our resources put to best use.

It's that type of partnership we want to see at the state and local level as well—everyone working together across jurisdictional lines—to ensure the wellbeing of all North Carolinians. I know this is something that this state especially understands and has implemented in your crisis planning for other disasters such as hurricanes.

With pandemic flu, we're asking you to build on your emergency plans and procedures and put in place specific protocols in the event of a flu outbreak. And don't let the school calendar stop you—whether it happens in April or August, we must be ready.

As Secretary Leavitt pointed out, a flu outbreak similar to the one that occurred in 1918 has the potential to kill millions. Knowing that, it would be foolish to not take preventative steps now. If we wait until the first human-to-human transmission to get serious about our response—it will be too late.

Today, we're drawing attention to one of our most vulnerable populations in the event of a pandemic—our children. Health experts predict illness rates at the height of a pandemic will be highest among school-aged children—possibly 40%.

This presents major logistical challenges for schools and communities. Schools must prepare for a number of contingencies, including: staff absences; school closures; caring for students; as well as the possibility that schools may need to be used as make-shift hospitals and quarantine or vaccine sites.

Our colleges and universities would face related challenges, such as housing students who get sick and are unable to return home.

These are not issues that can be decided on the fly. When it comes to preparing our school community—from pre-school all the way to college—there are three key steps to take: One, TALK to your local health officials and work together to develop a plan Then secondly, TRAIN your teachers and administrators to implement the plan. And finally, TEACH students and parents so they understand what to do in the event of a pandemic. You know, not Stop, Drop and Roll—Talk, Train and Teach.

Part of North Carolina's Pandemic Influenza Plan encourages school districts to work with state and local health departments to develop a plan. Today, many of you are in the same room—so if you haven't already—start talking!

And don't just talk amongst yourselves. Around the nation there are communities with strong emergency response plans in place, who have integrated pandemic flu into those plans. These are good examples you can learn from and adapt what works to your own efforts and unique circumstances.

For example, Seattle Public Schools have worked with their local public health departments and the City of Seattle on a variety of public health concerns for many years. They developed an initial infectious disease preparedness plan in response to SARS, and now that plan has been tweaked to address pandemic flu.

Because of this strong collaboration, Seattle Public Schools' pandemic flu plan is closely aligned with the City of Seattle's plan, which includes planning for all city-wide services and maintaining their continuity. This is just one example, of how other areas around the country are incorporating pandemic flu planning into their overall emergency management plans.

So, talk, train, teach... and for our part, we will provide information and needed tools. Secretary Leavitt spoke about anti-viral and vaccine stockpiles, along with millions of dollars in federal funding to support state and local preparedness efforts.

HHS has also provided a series of checklists to guide planning—for businesses, community organizations, and families. And today, we are introducing two new checklists for the education community—Child Care and Preschool and Colleges and Universities—and highlighting a third checklist for K-12 Schools already released.

These checklists help you ask the necessary questions such as—Have you determined who makes the call on school closures? Is there an effective communication system in place? How will instruction continue if there are district-wide closures?

And in asking these questions, education officials will be able to pinpoint any gaps in current planning work and determine where resources should be focused and preparedness efforts improved.

Many of the checklist's planning activities have a foundation in the emergency response efforts that are already in place in North Carolina schools and other school systems across the nation. Planning for pandemic flu should not be done in isolation but should be an integral part of your overall crisis planning.

The Department of Education continues to provide grants to support schools in this vital preparedness work. Over the past three years, we've awarded North Carolina schools almost $4 million. This year we will distribute $24 million around the country. And for the first time, districts receiving these funds will be required to incorporate pandemic flu in their plans.

We will also continue to work with HHS to provide the most current and detailed information to the education community. In addition to these checklists—which will be available on our website—we also will provide information on model plans and training exercises, as well as conduct live webcast discussions to ensure our partners have the support and guidance they need to prepare.

And, if the worst happens... and pandemic flu breaks out... then we at the Department are completing our own pandemic preparedness plan to assist schools in carrying out their two most important duties—protecting and educating our kids.

Among us today, there are a handful of first responders, who know best the reality of what we face. We plan, train, drill, and do it all over again so we're prepared to act, even as we pray and hope that day never comes.

And while, we can't control when and where disaster falls, working together, we can ensure that we're ready for it.

So thank you for your commitment and all you do to keep our citizens and our country safe.

Thank you.

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