Rendell Administration Launches Pennsylvania's New Pandemic Preparedness Web Site

Rendell Administration Launches Pennsylvania's New Pandemic Preparedness Web Site

State's Toll-Free 1-877-PA-HEALTH Line to be Staffed for Response to Tuesday's Avian Influenza Made-for-TV Movie

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- At the direction of Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell, the commonwealth unveiled a new pandemic preparedness Web site today to provide people with timely, accurate and reliable information about pandemic influenza. Officials also updated the public on the state's ongoing efforts to prepare should a flu pandemic hit the U.S.

"With this new Web site, people in Pennsylvania will have access to a state-of-the-art, informative tool to get quick, accurate answers about flu pandemics," Governor Rendell said. "If this health problem should hit the commonwealth, we will be ready to act because of the hard work of the people who are dedicated to protecting the public's health."

Governor Rendell's deputy chief of staff Art Stephens, state Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson and state Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff announced the official launch of http://www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us/.

"Pennsylvania hasn't faced an influenza pandemic in nearly 40 years and at this point, there is no immediate threat of one," said Stephens. "But the outbreak of a new strain of avian flu -- called the H5N1 virus -- in Asia, has reminded the world of the need to be prepared in case a pandemic strikes at home. That's what we're doing in Pennsylvania - both for animals and humans.

"The success of our planning relies on making sure that the proper information is getting out to individuals and organizations about steps they can take to educate and prepare themselves for the possibility of a pandemic. The state's new pandemic preparedness Web site builds on the strong foundation of resources already in place to ensure that our ability to respond to this potential public health threat is efficient and effective."

The Web site features specific resources and directions for various groups - including local governments, individuals, businesses, schools, healthcare providers, communities and agriculture; frequently asked questions; and the latest information on what Pennsylvania is doing to prepare. Pennsylvania-specific planning documents, articles and fact sheets are available for download and up-to-date news and information from other healthcare and government resources as well.

In addition to a walkthrough of the Web site during today's news conference, Dr. Johnson addressed the upcoming made-for-television movie, "Fatal Contact: Bird Flu in America," and the potential that it may have to cause confusion among its viewers.

"It is important for viewers to accept this movie for what it is - entertainment," Dr. Johnson said. "It is our hope that this movie will draw people to more reliable sources for information such as the Department of Health's 1-877-PA-HEALTH line and the Web site we've launched today."

Dr. Johnson noted that anyone with questions or concerns about the movie may call the 1-877-PA-HEALTH line from 5 p.m. - midnight on May 9, the night the movie will air, and during its normal hours of operation, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Secretary Wolff said the state Agriculture Department is also working to monitor the poultry and wild bird populations for avian influenza.

"For more than 20 years, Pennsylvania has had an aggressive avian influenza surveillance program for both wild and domestic birds," Wolff said. "Today, we lead the nation in testing, performing more than 240,000 tests last year alone. As a result, the state's poultry industry is among the safest in the world."

Stephens also announced the specifics on three of six regional meetings being held to follow up on the state's recent Pandemic Preparedness Summit.

"Pennsylvania is committed to meeting the pandemic issue head-on by taking deliberate and detailed steps to ensure that every individual and organization is aware of the role they play in preparedness and response efforts," Stephens said. "After a successful statewide pandemic planning summit in March, Governor Rendell made a commitment to hold six regional planning summits so we intensify our local planning efforts. Three of those meetings are scheduled and the other three will be soon - you can find information about them on the pandemic Web site."

For more information on pandemic influenza, visit http://www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us/.

The Rendell Administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A list of the three regional meetings follows:

Pandemic Planning Northwest Meeting
May 18, 2006
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Clarion University,
Gemmell Hall
Clarion, PA 16214

Pandemic Planning Southwest Meeting
May 19, 2006
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Pittsburgh ExpoMart
105 Mall Boulevard
Monroeville, PA 15146

Pandemic Planning Southcentral Meeting
May 23, 2006
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Shippensburg University,
Anthony F. Ceddia Union Building "CUB"
Shippensburg, PA 17257

CONTACT: Amy Kelchner, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116

Source: Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Amy Kelchner, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,
+1-717-783-1116

Web site: http://www.pandemicflu.state.pa.us/
http://www.state.pa.us/
http://www.governor.state.pa.us/

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