October 19, 2001

HHS Announces Additional $1.5 Billion for Bioterrorism

Secretary Thompson announced Oct. 17 that included in the $20 billion emergency relief budget requested by the administration for recovery after the Sept. 11 attacks is $1.5 billion for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to further strengthen the nation's ability to respond to and treat potential bioterrorism attacks. The emergency request is in addition to the agency's regular fiscal year 2002 budget request of $345 million for bioterrorism preparedness and will support efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other HHS agencies, as well as state and local efforts.

The request includes $643 million to expand the National Pharmaceutical Stockpile, $509 million to speed the development and creation of smallpox vaccines, $175 million for state and local efforts, and $61 million for increased food safety measures. In addition to the $1.5 billion is another $84 million for other recovery efforts, including replenishing public health resources in New York and improving security at HHS labs.

Information: Erica Froyd, AAMC Office of Governmental Relations, 202-828-0558.