Here is a copy of a letter sent to DHSS Deputy Secretary Alex Azar, asking the US to facilitate a conference for faith-based organization leaders to help mitigate problems that may occur during a pandemic in America.
To-date I have not received a response.
As many of you may know, there is an effort underway in Canada to organize faith-based organizations for the sole purpose of working with officials during a pandemic outbreak there.
Anyone with suggestions, please let me know?
At this point I see the potential influence and impact that faith-based organization leaders have among their collective congregations in getting the preparedness message out.
As daunting as this task may be - - I'm willing to re-think, re-group and strategize on ways of developing a similar grassroots effort here in the United States.
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May 10, 2006
Alex Azar, II, Deputy Secretary
United States Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Deputy Secretary Alex Azar, II:
Since President Bush released the ?Implementation Plan? I have been brainstorming on possible mitigating solutions to problems that could arise due to a pandemic. Since traditionally Americans turn to Government and Faith-Based Organizations in times of crisis, I have identified several mitigating opportunities that both Government and Faith-Based Organizations can work together on.
For example Faith-Based Organizations could:
Consider establishing a ?store house? that parishioners/members can add food, water, medicine, and supplies to now - - and access in the case of a pandemic or other emergency.
Consider allowing your church to be a ?neighborhood staging area for distribution? where deliveries of food, water and essential commodities can be delivered and dispersed to citizens of your community.
Consider establishing a communications link (e.g. telephone hotline, website chat room), for parishioners/members and community to access for grief counseling and prayer.
Consider utilizing space at your church and facility for setting up a ?field hospital? to treat sickened citizens of your community.
More mitigating opportunities are included in a letter I addressed to Faith-Based Organizations. In the letter I ask leaders to consider providing relief, should a pandemic occur? But Karen Murphy-Kimber is an unknown person - - while you and officials at the US Department of Health and Human Services are well known. Leaders of Faith-Based Organizations will respond to you.
Deputy Secretary Azar I need your help? Please facilitate a think-tank/conference for leaders of Faith-Based Organizations from throughout America, to discuss mitigating opportunities like the ones I have identified? Why? Because Faith-Based Organizations could play a key role, second only to the Health and Medical Community during a pandemic. Hosting such an event is a significant move towards pandemic preparedness.
Your attention in this matter is appreciated. I look forward to speaking with you about this issue in the near future.
Respectfully,
Karen Murphy-Kimber
To-date I have not received a response.
As many of you may know, there is an effort underway in Canada to organize faith-based organizations for the sole purpose of working with officials during a pandemic outbreak there.
Anyone with suggestions, please let me know?
At this point I see the potential influence and impact that faith-based organization leaders have among their collective congregations in getting the preparedness message out.
As daunting as this task may be - - I'm willing to re-think, re-group and strategize on ways of developing a similar grassroots effort here in the United States.
-----------------------------
May 10, 2006
Alex Azar, II, Deputy Secretary
United States Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
Dear Deputy Secretary Alex Azar, II:
Since President Bush released the ?Implementation Plan? I have been brainstorming on possible mitigating solutions to problems that could arise due to a pandemic. Since traditionally Americans turn to Government and Faith-Based Organizations in times of crisis, I have identified several mitigating opportunities that both Government and Faith-Based Organizations can work together on.
For example Faith-Based Organizations could:
Consider establishing a ?store house? that parishioners/members can add food, water, medicine, and supplies to now - - and access in the case of a pandemic or other emergency.
Consider allowing your church to be a ?neighborhood staging area for distribution? where deliveries of food, water and essential commodities can be delivered and dispersed to citizens of your community.
Consider establishing a communications link (e.g. telephone hotline, website chat room), for parishioners/members and community to access for grief counseling and prayer.
Consider utilizing space at your church and facility for setting up a ?field hospital? to treat sickened citizens of your community.
More mitigating opportunities are included in a letter I addressed to Faith-Based Organizations. In the letter I ask leaders to consider providing relief, should a pandemic occur? But Karen Murphy-Kimber is an unknown person - - while you and officials at the US Department of Health and Human Services are well known. Leaders of Faith-Based Organizations will respond to you.
Deputy Secretary Azar I need your help? Please facilitate a think-tank/conference for leaders of Faith-Based Organizations from throughout America, to discuss mitigating opportunities like the ones I have identified? Why? Because Faith-Based Organizations could play a key role, second only to the Health and Medical Community during a pandemic. Hosting such an event is a significant move towards pandemic preparedness.
Your attention in this matter is appreciated. I look forward to speaking with you about this issue in the near future.
Respectfully,
Karen Murphy-Kimber
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