DHSS Press Release |
Date: December 12, 2005 DHSS-124-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DELAWARE THIRD IN NATION FOR HEALTH EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Delaware is one of the three highest-scoring states in the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) study of state and federal public health emergency preparedness, announced Delaware Health and Social Service's Division of Public Health (DPH).
Delaware, Virginia and South Carolina achieved eight out of 10 possible points in the TFAH's third annual report, "Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Diseases, Disasters and Bioterrorism." Nearly 85% of states received a "6" or less. TFAH says its annual report is intended to serve as a tool to help the nation improve its capabilities of protecting the public's health and responding to diseases, disasters and bioterrorism.
"Delaware scored very high, and DPH, the hospitals and our other health partners all deserve praise," said DPH Director Dr. Jaime H. Rivera. "Delaware's public expects fundamental health protections, and in recent years we've served them during hurricanes, severe winter storms and flooding." DPH is also prepared for disease outbreaks, and in November, organized a pandemic flu tabletop exercise with nearly 100 participants from various state, federal and private agencies.
Dr. Rivera said he intends to seek additional federal and state funding to provide enhanced chemical response training. While established preparedness contacts with hospitals are good, they can be strengthened, he said, adding that he's instructed DPH staff to schedule drills with hospitals in 2006. In June, DPH's exercise evaluated response to a disaster that involved mass patient care.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
