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HHS Declares Public Health Emergency for 2009-H1N1 Flu

The Department of Health and Human Services today issued a nationwide public health emergency declaration in response to recent human infections with a newly discovered the 2009-H1N1 Flu virus.

The formal declaration of a Public Health Emergency (PHE) is a tool that facilitates HHS’ preparation and mobilization for disasters and emergencies.  For example, PHEs were recently declared for flooding in North Dakota, the Inauguration, and several 2008 hurricanes. Learn More >>

Medical Planning and Countermeasures

• Synopsis: RFP-BARDA-09-35: Smallpox Antiviral for the Strategic National Stockpile
• BAA-BARDA-09-36:  Point of Care or High-Throughput Biological Assays for Determining Absorbed Ionizing Radiation Dose (Biodosimetry) after Radiologic and Nuclear Events
• HHS-BARDA-09-33:  Advanced Development of Therapeutics for Neutropenia Resulting from Acute Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
• Cancelled:  HHS-BARDA-08-10:  Advanced Therapeutics for Treating Neutropenia Resulting from Acute Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
• HHS Releases Guidance for Use and Stockpiling of Antiviral Drugs for Pandemic Influenza
• Synopsis Amendment:  Advanced Development of Next Generation Portable Ventilators
• SS-BARDA-09-Serology: Immunological Testing of Sera Samples
• Importance of Influenza Vaccination for Health Care Personnel
• Avian Influenza Outbreaks in Chickens, Bangladesh P.K. Biswas et al.
• Influenza Infection in Wild Raccoons J.S. Hall et al.
• Early Pandemic Flu Wave May Protect Against Worse One Later
• Influenza Virus (h5N1) in Live Bird Markets and Food Markets, Thailand
• Award:  Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed for the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS)
• CDC Awards $16.9 Million Contract to Improve Capabilities to Combat Pandemic, Seasonal Influenza
• NIAID Announces 25 New Awards to Develop Radiation Countermeasures
• RFP-BARDA-08-28: Advanced Development of New Antiviral Agents against Influenza Virus
• Award:  Therapies for Hematopoietic Syndrome, Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Loss and Vascular Injury Resulting From Acute Exposure to Ionizing Radiation
• HHS-BARDA-08-20:  Advanced Development of Next Generation Portable Ventilators
• Effects of School Closures, 2008 Winter Influenza Season, Hong Kong, B.J. Cowling et al.
• Animal Models-Essential Elements to Address Efficiency Under the Animal Rule (Concept Paper)

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In The Spotlight

• FDA Issues Emergency Use Authorization to Protect Postal Workers to help protect postal workers from an anthrax attack
• HHS Announces New Steps in Anthrax Preparedness
• HHS Awards Contracts Totaling More Than $19 Million to Advance the Development of New Therapeutics for the Treatment of Exposure to Ionizing Radiation

Operations and Training

• OSHA's hurricane response and recovery resources available for storm season
• Emergency Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Audit of Program Support Center’s Award Process for a Contract With North Central Texas Services, Inc.
• Emergency Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Audit of Program Support Center’s Award Process for a Contract With CredentialSmart," (A-03-06-00524
• CDC Update on Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Case
• New DVD Will Help Train Health Care Workers to Provide Respiratory Care during Disasters
• 56th Inauguration Support Highlights

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Communicating in a Crisis

• Communicating in the First Hours
• Crisis & Emergency Risk Communication: By Leaders for Leaders
• Crisis & Emergency Risk Communications
• Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Reference Guide for Media
• Terrorism and Other Public Health Emergencies: A Field Guide for Media
• Public Health Emergency Response: A Guide for Leaders and Responders

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News In Pictures

• Rear Admiral Craig Vanderwagen meets with first responders deployed in support of Hurricane Ike
• Federal Partners Work Together to Support the Hurricane Gustav Public Health and Emergency Medical Support Effort

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