Emergency Preparedness Grants, Draft Guidance Developments
On June 3, 2008, HHS announced that it has made available nearly $1.1 billion to continue assisting public health departments, hospitals and other health care organizations respond to public health and medical emergencies resulting from terrorism, pandemic influenza, and other naturally occurring emergencies. In a related development, HHS has released three draft guidance documents. designed to assist in preparation for an influenza pandemic. The documents address: (1) the Use and Purchase of Facemasks and Respirators by Individuals and Families for Pandemic Influenza Preparedness; (2) Antiviral Drug Use during an Influenza Pandemic; and (3) Proposed Considerations for Antiviral Drug Stockpiling by Employers In Preparation for an Influenza Pandemic. Comments will be accepted until July 3, 2008.
