Departments : Emergency Management : Public Health
Public Health Emergency Portal United States Health and Human Services' Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has launched new Public Health Emergency Portal
The site acts as a cross-governmental portal for residents in the U.S. and worldwide to obtain information from all U.S. federal agencies and their state and local partners involved in a public health emergency, medical disaster or public health aspects of a natural or man-made disaster.
The site was created by the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) in conjunction with cross-governmental partners to meet public information requirements of the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006, Public Law No. 109-417 and National Health Security Strategy (NHSS) objectives.
Using this portal, visitors can find the current status and actions taken by the federal government in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and medical disasters. Links to report potential public health threats, and information about medical response, emergency support functions and medical services are also available along with public health actions taken by the federal government during domestic and international emergencies. In addition, visitors can learn about U.S. efforts to provide basic and advanced research and development of medical countermeasures and how these countermeasures will be used in response to public health emergencies.
The portal also provides specific information for federal, state, and local emergency planners to aid in preparing for, responding to, and recovery from public health emergencies. Information on legal authorities and guidance, preparedness and planning tools, and specific preparedness programs are also provided for emergency planners. Information for responders includes information on physical safety and mental health, and guidance for dealing with specific public health emergencies.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
The ND Department of Health asks employers to report any unusual increases of illness or any unusually high absenteeism that occurs in your business. Reports can be made by calling 701.328.2378 or 800.472.2180.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has developed Interim Guidance targeted to specific professions and/or employer groups that is updated as necessary during a public health emergency. H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Information for Specific Groups
Community and Faith-Based Organizations This document was produced by the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Educational Tools Parents and teachers can reinforce kids' hand-washing habits by using tools such as The Scrub Club®, an interactive website that offers free materials to raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing to fight germs and prevent illness. The fun, Web-based experience is complete with educational materials, music, games and cartoon "Webisodes."
The Scrub Club® is being used by hundreds of schools nationwide, and teachers continue to integrate the Scrub Club educational activities into their daily curriculum. These educational materials are currently available in French, English and Spanish.
The American Red Cross and NSF International (NSF) have collaborated to help protect public health. Collectively, NSF, the Red Cross and seven "soaper-heroes"are teaching children the importance of proper and consistent hand washing through the Scrub Club®. Through this partnership, the two organizations are helping educate communities across the nation about the benefits of handwashing to fight germs and prevent illness.
Flu Terms Defined seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.
novel H1N1 flu is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in the U.S. in April 2009, and has spread to many countries around the world.
bird flu is commonly used to refer to Avian flu (see below). Bird flu viruses infect birds, including chickens, other poultry and wild birds such as ducks.
avian flu (AI) is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Low pathogenic AI is common in birds and causes few problems. Highly pathogenic H5N1 is deadly to domestic fowl, can be transmitted from birds to humans, and is deadly to humans. There is virtually no human immunity and human vaccine availability is very limited.
pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person.
Website Links The following links provide information and guidance materials about swine flu and are intended to be utilized for distribution and placement on internal web sites:
PandemicFlu.gov One-stop access to U.S. Government swine, avian and pandemic flu information. Avian Flu and Swine Flu
Bismarck/Burleigh Public Health, 500 E Front Avenue, Bismarck, 701-355-1540 Bismarck/Burleigh Public Health Website Bismarck/Burleigh Public Health has Emergency Preparedness and Response Plans in place to respond to an influenza pandemic and is working with the ND State Department of Health to monitor the situation.
