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
Jan 03, 2016
Pandemic Preparedness: The Federal Perspective
Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools National Conference
August 4, 2007
Dana CarrOffice of Safe and Drug-Free Schools
U.S. Department of Education
The Federal Government PreparesThe 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
Federal Response StagesFederal Response Stages
Disseminating Information to the PublicDisseminating Information to the Public
www.pandemicflu.gov
State Summits
Collaborating Across the GovernmentCollaborating 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 ResourcesCreating Resources
Checklists State and Local
Governments Schools-- Daycares, K-12,
Higher Education Businesses Faith-Based Organizations Families and Individuals
Funding Preparedness EffortsFunding 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 GuidanceProviding Guidance
Community Mitigation Guidance Social distancing School closures Voluntary home quarantine Use of antiviral medication
Specific guidance, such as mask useAvailable at:
www.pandemicflu.gov
Providing Guidance: Pandemic Severity Index
Providing Guidance: Pandemic Severity Index
Preparing the Federal WorkforcePreparing 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 PreparesDepartment of Education Prepares
“Pandemic Flu: A Guide for Educators” brochure
www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/pandemic
Focus group meetings
Helping Schools Prepare for a Pandemic
Basic Minimum Components for Pandemic Plan
Helping Schools Prepare for a Pandemic
Basic Minimum Components for Pandemic Plan 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
For more information, please see www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/pandemic
Helping Schools Prepare for a 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 EffortsRecognizing Local Planning Efforts
www.ed.gov/emergencyplan/pandemic Local Plans:
Seattle/King County Orange County, CA Contra Costa, CA
Creating and Refining ToolsCreating and Refining Tools
Pandemic Influenza:Tabletop Exercise (Pilot, August 4, 2007)
http://ercm.ed.gov
Thank You!Thank You!
Dana CarrOffice of Safe and Drug-Free Schools