HHS Announces First Round of State Bioterrorism Grants
February 1, 2002 - Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson Jan. 25
announced
the release of more than $200 million in funds, the first installment
of the $1.1 billion designated for states to prepare their public health
infrastructures to respond to bioterrorism. The remaining funds will
be awarded once HHS receives statewide plans.
Some areas to be targeted in the first round of funding include enhancing
regional hospital planning and readiness; expanding public health laboratory
and communications capacities; improving connectivity between hospitals,
and city, local and state health departments to enhance reporting; and
developing a bioterrorism education and training plan for health professionals,
emergency room physicians and nurses, local public health officials
and the public.
HHS will receive state plans, which must be approved by the governor,
as early as March 15 and no later than May 15, 2002. The plans will
outline the state's response to bioterrorism and outbreaks of infectious
disease and how it will strengthen core public health capacities.
Information: Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Government Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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