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Discussion: Pandemic and PreparednessReported This is a featured thread

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CatherineMitchell
CatherineMitchell
Pandemic and Preparedness
Oct 17 2008, 1:18 PM EDT | Post edited: Oct 17 2008, 1:18 PM EDT
My question to both candidates and topic for discussion is...

Due to the overwhelming lack of information reaching the general public and the length of time needed to educate and inform people of the very serious nature of pandemic influenza the American citizens will not be prepared to deal with the fallout of this infectious disease. Many factors such as "just-in-time" delivery of goods, current economic realities, and lack of general preparedness will cause deaths beyond what the pandemic itself will cause. Increasingly it is becoming apparent that there exists in this country a serious digital divide. People with computers and knowledge of how to use technology have access to this information literally at their fingertips while those not utilizing technology are being left behind.

The federal government has left such decisions up to the states, the state have left such decisions up to the counties of local jurisdictions. Local jurisdictions do not have professional manning the posts in their boards of health and in rural areas they are largely not preparing due to lack of funding and the overwhelming burden of preparedness.

This is the first time that we have been able to prepare for a pandemic and I am concerned that we are losing valuable time. Pandemic Influenza typically hits hardest those with robust immune systems like children and young adults. I fear the anger of the US Citizens when they realize that they have not been given sufficient heads up in order for them to protect their children and the youth of this nation.

How will you ensure that ALL citizens of the United States, regardless of disability or other inability such as lack of access to online information, receive lifesaving preparedness information while there is still time to prepare - and not after a state of emergency has already been declared as is the current plan for many of our state and local governments? 1  out of 1 found this valuable. Do you?    
Mfall
Mfall
1. RE: Pandemic and Preparedness
Oct 17 2008, 7:01 PM EDT | Post edited: Oct 17 2008, 7:01 PM EDT
Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy is a new tool
for identifying viruses that is both cheap and portable.

These should be rapidly deployed as a homeland security issue. Do you find this valuable?