Gov. Heineman Announces Time Change
for Pandemic Flu Summit
(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman announced that the start time for next week's statewide summit on pandemic flu preparedness has been changed. The summit is now scheduled to convene at 1:30 p.m. CT at the Lied Center for Performing Arts in Lincoln on Thursday, Feb. 23, and is expected to conclude by 4:30 p.m. CT. Doors will open at 12:30 p.m.
The Nebraska Pandemic Flu Response Summit is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Space is limited so early registration is recommended and pre-registration is required. Those unable to attend the summit in Lincoln have the opportunity to participate via videoconference from one of several cities across the state via Nebraska's Telehealth Network. The summit will also be broadcast live on Nebraska Education Television channel 2 (NET2). Check local listings for availability.
"We've received tremendous interest on this issue, particularly from schools and businesses," Gov. Heineman said. "That's an indication that Nebraskans want to be informed and prepared in the event our state is ever faced with the challenges a pandemic flu would present. I'd encourage anyone with interest in this issue to take advantage of one of the many opportunities to be part of the summit."
The summit was moved up to accommodate changes in presenters' schedules. The Governor and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt are scheduled to address participants, in addition to Dr. John Agwunobi, HHS Assistant Secretary for Health, Al Martinez-Fonts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Sen. Chuck Hagel.
Also on the agenda is Dr. Joann Schaefer, Chief Medical Officer for the state, Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, and Bruce Dart, director of the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.
Registration for the summit is available by visiting the Nebraska Health and Human Services System's pandemic flu Web site at http://www.hhss.ne.gov/pandemic. Information on participating via the Telehealth Network is also available online. Those without Internet access can contact the Center for Biopreparedness Education, a co-sponsor of the summit at 402-552-3492 for registration assistance.
