News Release
September 25, 2008

DSHS Receives CDC Pandemic Flu Grant

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is one of 29 state and local health departments awarded funding by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for pandemic influenza preparedness projects.

DSHS will receive $799,798 for an electronic laboratory data exchange project.

The year-long project, which begins Sept. 30, will focus on streamlining real-time data sharing among doctors, hospitals, public and private testing laboratories, local and state health departments and the CDC. The goal is to be better equipped to prevent or delay the spread of influenza and other illnesses.

CDC yesterday announced the awarding of $24 million for 55 new pandemic flu projects. The awards were competitively selected based on applications submitted by state and local health departments.

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(News Media: For more information, contact Emily Palmer, DSHS Assistant Press Officer, 512-458-7400.)