May 18, 2006

State Pandemic Flu Summit set for May 31

Governor Kathleen Sebelius and Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Roderick Bremby will host U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Michael Leavitt at a Pandemic Flu Summit to be held May 31 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Topeka.

Health, business, emergency management, schools, faith-based groups, government, and agriculture officials from around the state are expected to attend the event.

“Pandemic flu is an issue we take seriously, and we encourage every level of government, the private sector and community organizations to do the same,” Governor Sebelius said. “We have developed a strong system for responding to emergencies of all kinds. This summit is an example of the collaboration we need among local, state and federal partners.”

The Governor and the Secretary will sign a resolution that lays the groundwork for optimal state and federal cooperation on pandemic flu. The agreement outlines the federal government’s role in coordinating national preparedness in response to a pandemic. It also details how the federal government will continue to provide planning assistance and funding for pandemic preparedness to states.

HHS has provided Kansas $1.1 million over the next year for developing pandemic response plans.

“Kansas has been preparing for the possibility of pandemic influenza for several years and with the additional federal resources and updated guidelines we’ve received in recent months, we have further enhanced our plans,” Bremby said. “We are working closely with local governments, community organizations, businesses and schools to further develop local planning. We are also encouraging all Kansans to begin planning for a pandemic with a home preparedness kit that includes enough bottled water, food, and medications for each family member.”

The state has taken a number of steps toward preparing for pandemic flu. A series of pandemic influenza symposiums are being held for specific groups involved in planning for a pandemic including community/faith-based organizations, schools, businesses, agriculture, and public safety. In October 2005, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) released the state pandemic flu response plan. In addition, the Web-based Health Alert Network has been established for sharing public health emergency information with health and emergency management officials statewide; state and local disease investigation specialists have enhanced their surveillance for detecting cases of any unusual illness; and new partnerships for responding to emergencies have been formed among public and private organizations across Kansas. KDHE held thirteen public meetings around the state last fall to educate the public on pandemic influenza, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Speakers at the May 31 summit will urge Kansans to have family plans in place for responding to emergencies. Information on preparing for pandemic influenza is available on KDHE Web site at www.kdheks.gov, the HHS Web site at www.pandemicflu.gov.

NOTE: All media are invited to attend. Photo opportunities will be available.