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Testimony of Dr. Til Jolly, DHS Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical Readiness Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology—Beyond the Checklist:
Date: Released September 26, 2007
Author: Dr. Til Jolly
Institution: Office of Health Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Bibliographic Entry: Jolly, Dr. Tim. “Testimony of Dr. Til Jolly, DHS Associate Chief Medical Officer for Medical Readiness Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology—Beyond the Checklist: Addressing Shortfalls in National Pandemic Influenza Preparedness.” Office of Health Affairs at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), September 26, 2007.
Electronic Link: http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/testimony/testimony_1190842943166.shtm
Key Words: National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, Implementation Plan, Emergency Support Function (ESF)-8, Strategic National Stockpile, Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 5, National Principal Federal Official (PFO), 17 critical infrastructure and key resource sectors
Summary of Key Points, Issues, Conclusions:
This testimony addresses the progress of the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza and its Implementation Plan. The speaker first reviews the basic facts of pandemics, specifically pandemic influenza, and the potential impact on the nation. The Implementation Plan was released in order to guide preparedness and response to an influenza pandemic. As outlined within the plan, DHS is responsible for coordination of overall domestic Federal response during a pandemic, such as policy implementation that facilitates compliance with social distancing measures, development of a common operating procedure for all Federal departments and agencies, and ensuring the integrity of the nation’s infrastructure via proper screening.
DHS has met over 80% of all requirements in the Implementation Plan. DHS recognizes the key roles of HHS, the Department of State, and the Department of Agriculture. Following work with its partners, DHS has developed and implemented several initiatives and outreach to support continuity of operations among all levels of government.
DHS both produced and released the guide, “Pandemic Influenza Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Guide for Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources,” addressing national goals and capabilities and specific needs of the private sector. DHS leads the development of specific guides for 17 critical infrastructure and key resource sectors. With the assistance of Federal department and agencies, DHS is developing a government-wide planning forum. DHS has conducted federal and state interagency pandemic influenza exercises focusing on various issues relating to preparedness. These include:
• FEMA’s Determined Accord
• Customs and Border Protection exercises
• U.S. Fire Administration tabletop exercise
• HHS sponsored regional National Governors Association Pandemic Influenza exercises
• Various workshops and forums
DHS also participates in interagency working groups on an ongoing basis, developing guidance on community mitigation strategies, medical countermeasures, vaccine prioritization, and risk communication. Significant progress has also been made in national pandemic influenza preparedness. DHS plans to continue its partnerships with the federal interagency, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector stakeholders to further the work of pandemic preparedness.
Name of Researcher: Alison Stevens
Institution: Integrative Center for Homeland Security, Texas A&M University
Date Posted: April 30, 2008