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The Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response program is funded
by a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) and coordinated by the BT Branch. The Branch
coordinates Hawaii’s smallpox vaccination program; administers
the Strategic National Stockpile plan for distribution of emergency
pharmaceuticals in case of public health emergencies; and collaborates
with State Civil Defense, the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, the
County Civil Defense Agencies, and all other related stakeholders in
the development and implementation of State and County response plans
for bioterrorism and other public health emergencies.
Smallpox Vaccination Program: The BT Branch, in partnership
with the Public Health Nursing Branch and the Healthcare Association of
Hawaii, vaccinated 181 public health and healthcare professionals in
2003. This program involved intensive education and training efforts
statewide, development of a clinic manual and vaccination training
modules for clinic staff, and operation of an adverse event
surveillance system. The Branch is working with civil defense and first
responder agencies to implement the second phase of the
President’s Smallpox Vaccination Plan.
DOH Department Operations Center: The BT Branch is assisting
with the development of a Department Operations Center to coordinate
critical health activities during a bioterrorism attack or other public
health emergency. A training program conducted in collaboration with
the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, has prepared senior management to
conduct emergency operations in compliance with the National Incident
Management System.
Enhanced Rapid Disease Investigation and Epidemiologic
Capabilities: The DOH Disease Investigations Branch has doubled its
staff of disease investigators, enhanced its notification and
communication systems, and developed new disease surveillance and
communications systems to permit rapid and accurate disease reporting
and response on a 24/7 basis. The enhanced workforce has been
instrumental in interrupting a potentially deadly outbreak of dengue
fever in Hawaii, and conducting comprehensive epidemiological
surveillance and investigations for potential SARS and measles
cases.
Hawaii State Laboratory Capacity: Through CDC funding, the
DOH State Laboratories Division (SLD) has been able to expand its rapid
molecular testing capability for Category A agents. The SLD has also
expanded its capacity to rule-out smallpox by molecular methods, and
has enhanced diagnostic support for emerging infectious diseases (West
Nile Virus, Norovirus, Murine Typhus, and Leptospirosis).
Establishment of Redundant Communications Systems: The DOH
has developed a system that links the district health offices, the
State Laboratory, Environmental Health Services, and other DOH
locations via email, audio conference, and video conference for
training and operations in the event of a major health threat.
Public Information and Communication: The DOH has improved
its ability to communicate with the public, which is a critical element
in a successful response to a bioterrorist attack or other public
health emergency. Significant progress has been made in assessing the
needs of communities and stakeholders, coordinating and participating
in emergency risk communications training for agency personnel,
developing a Joint Information System, and equipping a DOH Joint
Information Center.
Education and Training: The DOH has developed networks and
relationships among entities that work together to ensure a prepared
and appropriately responsive workforce. Additional capacity
improvements (satellite dishes, videoconferencing units, audio units,
access to online medical resources, and CPR, AED and PPE training) have
helped to provide local, national and international training and
education opportunities for public health employees.
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