DHS news release

May 25, 2006

Contact: Bonnie Widerburg (971) 673-1282
Technical contact: Katy King (971) 673-1265

Board to review state's preparedness for public health emergencies

A report about Oregon's preparedness for pandemic flu and other public-health emergencies will be delivered June 2 to the Public Health Advisory Board by state Public Health Director Susan Allan, M.D.

The board will meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 918 of the Portland State Office Building, 800 N.E. Oregon St. The 15-member board advises the Oregon Department of Human Services on public health policy.

DHS plays a lead role in ensuring that the state is prepared to meet public health needs arising out of epidemics, earthquakes, hazardous-materials spills and other emergencies.

At the public meeting, Allan and the Northwest Health Foundation's Thomas Aschenbrener will also outline progress on a report being prepared about the status of Oregon's public health.

Other agenda items include a review of new federal rules on safe drinking water, a report from the biopharming ad hoc committee, a synopsis of Oregon's first oral health forum and discussion of a recent national assessment of the state's emergency medical services system.

The meeting's "lunch with a leader" segment will feature Erinn Kelley-Siel, health and human services policy adviser to Gov. Ted Kulongoski.