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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman extended an invitation to community leaders and Nebraskans interested in learning more about local-level planning for a flu pandemic to attend Nebraska’s Pandemic Flu Response Summit on Thursday, Feb. 23, in Lincoln.
“We all have an important role to play in preparations for a possible pandemic flu,” Gov. Heineman said. “Our state continues efforts to refine our response plan, but the value of planning at all levels of civic life cannot be overstated. In the event of a pandemic, response at the community level will be critical, and this summit is an excellent opportunity for Nebraskans to learn the facts about pandemic flu and also a chance to highlight ways we can empower people to protect themselves, their families and their communities.”
U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt will attend Nebraska’s Pandemic Flu Response Summit and plans to speak about preparations. Secretary Leavitt is in the process of visiting all 50 states to spur discussion and interaction among state and local leaders and the public on national, regional and local pandemic flu preparedness.
There is no charge to attend the summit, which is scheduled to convene at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln at 2:30 p.m. and conclude by 5:00 p.m. Doors will open at 1:30 p.m. Space is limited so early registration is recommended, and pre-registration is required. Those unable to attend the summit in Lincoln may have an opportunity to participate from one of several cities via Nebraska’s Telehealth Network.
Dr. Joann Schaefer, Nebraska’s Chief Medical Officer, said, “Nebraska’s pandemic flu preparations are ahead of the national curve, with a state plan ready to help ensure care for Nebraskans in the event of a pandemic. However, the state plan will only take us so far. It is equally important for individuals, businesses and community organizations to develop their own plans, and we hope this summit will jump start those efforts.”
Dr. Schaefer has been working to develop Nebraska’s pandemic flu response plan along with Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy, Nebraska’s Director of Homeland Security.
Lt. Gov. Sheehy, a trained first-responder and former mayor, is in Washington attending the National Lieutenant Governors Association conference highlighting issues of national security and public health, including pandemic flu. Nebraska remains the U.S. state with an executive responsible for overseeing homeland security efforts.
Lt. Gov. Sheehy said, “The level of preparedness our state aspires to reach is one that can be achieved with intense coordination between individuals and their communities, local organizations and local governments, and we must all do our part. It is vital that individuals and communities begin planning for a potential pandemic.”
To register, visit the Nebraska Health and Human Services System’s (HHSS) new Web site dedicated to pandemic flu preparedness at http://www.hhss.ne.gov/pandemic. Information on how to participate via videoconference on the Telehealth Network will be available soon on the HHSS pandemic flu preparedness Web site. Individuals without Internet access who are interested in attending the summit can contact the Center for Biopreparedness Education, a co-sponsor of the summit at 402-552-3492 for registration assistance.
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