FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 31, 2009
GOVERNOR PATERSON KICKS OFF H1N1 PREPAREDNESS TOWN HALL TOUR
Informs Public on New York Emergency Response Plan to Combat Expected Return of H1N1
Department of Health to Hold Forums across the State in Preparation of Upcoming Flu Season
Governor David A. Paterson today kicked off the "Novel H1N1 Influenza Town Hall Meeting Tour," where he announced a comprehensive, multi-agency strategy and vaccination plan to prepare for the upcoming flu season and possible resurgence of the novel H1N1 flu. The Governor made the announcement at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School in Albany, during the first of six public information town hall meetings that the Department of Health (DOH) will convene in cities throughout New York. The forums will provide updates to local officials, schools, and residents on the State's actions to prevent and reduce incidents of the virus in New York.
"Nothing is more important than the health of our families, especially our children. We have aggressively prepared for a return of the novel H1N1 virus this fall and New Yorkers should be confident that their government is doing everything it can to keep their children and families safe and healthy," Governor Paterson said. "Over the last several months, we have worked with State agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to minimize the effects of the virus and will implement those measures. Our communities, particularly our schools, are prepared to handle any potential outbreak."
Governor Paterson instructed DOH to collaborate with other agencies and local governments to plan and enact measures to reduce the impact of H1N1 flu on the public's health. A H1N1 flu vaccination campaign, which DOH will launch in conjunction with county health departments, will first target those who the federal Centers for Disease Control consider to be at the highest risk for complications from the flu. As more becomes available, New Yorkers outside of the priority groups will have access to the vaccine. DOH will also remind all New Yorkers to receive vaccinations for seasonal influenza.
In addition, the Governor announced new State guidelines to schools that outline how to reduce exposure to novel H1N1 and limit transmission of the flu through school and community-based measures. The State's updated school guidance on novel H1N1 influenza for the 2009-10 School Year is available at http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/docs/2009-2010_k-12_school_guidance.pdf .
Governor Paterson reminded New Yorkers to practice the simple precautionary measures that have been recommended since the novel H1N1 flu first emerged in New York last spring, including washing hands frequently, avoiding people who are ill, and staying home from work or school when sick.
At the direction of Governor Paterson, the State has actively prepared for influenza season. In July, DOH, the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) and the Disaster Preparedness Commission briefed other agencies on the State's novel H1N1 response plan. In August, DOH Commissioner Richard F. Daines, M.D., met with local health commissioners and public health directors to discuss the coordination of State and county efforts. Commissioner Daines formally declared novel H1N1 influenza a threat to public health in New York. Under the declaration, the State is permitted to increase aid reimbursement to local health departments for the costs of approved public health emergency measures. The additional funding will ensure that local health departments have the resources they need to provide vital health services and mount a strong response.
Among the measures taken to ensure an effective and coordinated response:
DOH continues to brief health care providers, county health departments, insurance plans, pharmacies, long-term care facilities and others about planning assumptions for the return of novel H1N1 flu;
- DOH has met with professional medical associations to discuss how to make the novel H1N1 flu vaccine available to health providers, among other steps that should be taken to combat the virus;
- DOH is meeting with pharmacy associations to enroll pharmacies in the State's vaccination effort;
- DOH has issued clinical guidance for a number of health care settings, putting guidelines and protocols in place to best respond to novel H1N1 flu;
- DOH is conducting a statewide public awareness campaign, distributing educational materials about novel H1N1 influenza to the public;
- Commissioner Daines and former State Insurance Department Acting Superintendent Kermitt J. Brooks wrote to all State-regulated insurance plans to enlist their help to educate their providers and clients about influenza and assure all New Yorkers that they have access to the seasonal flu vaccine; that priority groups have access to the novel H1N1 influenza vaccines first, then other New Yorkers as more vaccine is available; as well as access to antiviral medications.
Commissioner Daines said: "With the Governor's leadership, New York State is coordinating a strong science-based response to the novel H1N1 flu, relying on the best information available today. This response must be a team approach that includes federal, state and local partners, the health care provider community, schools, local public health departments, employers, and all New Yorkers."
SEMO Director John R. Gibb said: "State agencies continue to support the State's comprehensive pandemic flu plan and are working closely with the Department of Health to ensure their readiness for the upcoming flu season. But the basis of preparedness lies with the individual. Every family should have a plan and discuss it with their children. Know what to do about the flu."
Interim Commissioner of the State Education Department Carole Huxley said: "New York faces many challenges this year but none is more important than keeping our children healthy and ensuring that our children's education will not be disrupted by this flu."
The "Novel H1N1 Influenza Town Hall Meeting Tour" will make the following stops:
Tuesday, September 1, in Dewitt: 10:30 a.m. at Jamesville-Dewitt High School
- Wednesday, September 2, in Buffalo: 9:00 a.m. at Public School 192 Academy for Visual and Performing Arts
- Wednesday, September 2, in Rochester: 1:00 p.m. at Monroe Community College
- Thursday, September 3, in Brookville: 10:30 a.m. at C.W. Post Campus, Long Island University
- Tuesday, September 8, in Lake Placid: 10:30 a.m. at the Lake Placid Hilton
More information about novel H1N1 and New York State's plans for responding to the flu is available at www.nyhealth.gov . New Yorkers with questions about the flu can also call DOH's 24-hour hotline at 1-800-808-1987.