Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://wluctv6.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=148894
States prepare for flu pandemic
Border communities hope to share resources
By Pooja Lodhia
Posted: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 6:52 p.m.
FLORENCE, WI -- Most of us never get flu shots. But what if a flu pandemic hits, infecting millions of people with a highly powerful, highly contagious virus?
Officials say there is no shortage of medication to tackle the pandemic.
"They are capable of delivering fifty tons of medicine into any state within 12 hours or less," said Wisconsin Strategic National Stockpile Coordinator Joe Cordova.
However, all medications are allocated to states individually, meaning it's possible that residents on both sides of state borders could be given different types and quantities of medications.
State officials insist they would never deny anybody medication, simply because he or she isn't a state resident. However, they're not quite sure how they would monitor the situation.
"Can we share communication?" asked Iron County Wisconsin Health Department Director Zona Wick. "Can we share resources? How do we share our staff, who are licensed in Michigan or are licensed in Wisconsin? Can we share our strategic national stockpile of medications?"
While there are still plenty of questions, Wick says she's optimistic that officials will be able to cooperate if an emergency arises. After all, many border communities in Wisconsin and Michigan already combine medical services.
"The population of Iron County is 6,500 people," she said, "and we don't have a hospital in Iron County, so our medical services come from Ironwood, Michigan."
Health officials from Michigan and Wisconsin plan on meeting at least once a year to work out plans for health emergencies.
NOTE: Use the source link above to view a video on this subject
States prepare for flu pandemic
Border communities hope to share resources
By Pooja Lodhia
Posted: Wednesday, June 18, 2008 at 6:52 p.m.
FLORENCE, WI -- Most of us never get flu shots. But what if a flu pandemic hits, infecting millions of people with a highly powerful, highly contagious virus?
Officials say there is no shortage of medication to tackle the pandemic.
"They are capable of delivering fifty tons of medicine into any state within 12 hours or less," said Wisconsin Strategic National Stockpile Coordinator Joe Cordova.
However, all medications are allocated to states individually, meaning it's possible that residents on both sides of state borders could be given different types and quantities of medications.
State officials insist they would never deny anybody medication, simply because he or she isn't a state resident. However, they're not quite sure how they would monitor the situation.
"Can we share communication?" asked Iron County Wisconsin Health Department Director Zona Wick. "Can we share resources? How do we share our staff, who are licensed in Michigan or are licensed in Wisconsin? Can we share our strategic national stockpile of medications?"
While there are still plenty of questions, Wick says she's optimistic that officials will be able to cooperate if an emergency arises. After all, many border communities in Wisconsin and Michigan already combine medical services.
"The population of Iron County is 6,500 people," she said, "and we don't have a hospital in Iron County, so our medical services come from Ironwood, Michigan."
Health officials from Michigan and Wisconsin plan on meeting at least once a year to work out plans for health emergencies.
NOTE: Use the source link above to view a video on this subject