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Pandemic Preparedness: The Federal Perspective Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools National Conference August 4, 2007. Dana Carr Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools U.S. Department of Education. The Federal Government Prepares. November, 2005 National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza
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Pandemic Preparedness: The Federal PerspectiveOffice of Safe and Drug-Free Schools National ConferenceAugust 4, 2007 Dana Carr Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools U.S. Department of Education
The Federal Government Prepares • November, 2005 National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza • May, 2006 Implementation Plan • 300 Critical Actions • Roles for Federal, state, local governments, businesses, communities, families, and individuals • As of June, 2007, nearly 90% of tasks to be completed within one year are done
Disseminating Information to the Public • www.pandemicflu.gov • State Summits
Collaborating Across the Government • Department of Homeland Security charged with planning overall response • Department of Health and Human Services charged with health/medical sector response • Other Federal agencies, including Department of Education, collaborate on various other tasks in Implementation Plan • Cross-agency collaboration is critical
Creating Resources • Checklists • State and Local Governments • Schools-- Daycares, K-12, Higher Education • Businesses • Faith-Based Organizations • Families and Individuals
Funding Preparedness Efforts • July, 2007: Almost $897 million provided to states, territories, and four metropolitan areas for public health emergencies • June, 2007: $430 million made available to strengthen hospital’s and health care facilities’ ability to respond to bioterror attacks, infectious diseases, and other mass casualty events • Since 2002: HHS has provided more than $7 billion for public health preparedness-related programs
Providing Guidance • Community Mitigation Guidance • Social distancing • School closures • Voluntary home quarantine • Use of antiviral medication • Specific guidance, such as mask use Available at:www.pandemicflu.gov
Preparing the Federal Workforce • Office of Personnel Management • Human Capital Management Policy • Hiring Flexibilities • Leave and Alternative Workplace Flexibilities • Guidance for Managers if Employee Comes to Work Sick • Training & “Town Hall” Meetings • All Departments • Continuity of Operations Planning • Business Continuity Plans
Department of Education Prepares • “Pandemic Flu: A Guide for Educators” brochure • www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/pandemic • Focus group meetings
Communications plan identifies audiences, focuses on clear, accurate, consistent and timely information Plan for continuity of learning and instruction Identify stakeholders and partners within local public health departments and other key stakeholders Review and refine policies and authorities Initiate or expand prevention and education efforts Create and implement surveillance system Develop an Incident Command System Consider other issues specific to your school environment Helping Schools Prepare for a PandemicBasic Minimum Components for Pandemic Plan For more information, please see www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/pandemic
Helping Schools Prepare for a Pandemic • U. S. Department of Education Policy Guidance (forthcoming): • Includes guidance on requirements, waivers, higher education, and special education • Center for Law and the Public’s Health study on closure authorities (www.publichealthlaw.net) • Information on school closures and continuity of instruction (forthcoming)
Recognizing Local Planning Efforts • www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/pandemic • Local Plans: • Seattle/King County • Orange County, CA • Contra Costa, CA
Creating and Refining Tools • Pandemic Influenza:Tabletop Exercise (Pilot, August 4, 2007) • http://ercm.ed.gov
Thank You! Dana Carr Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools dana.carr@ed.gov 202-260-0823