Psyche, Science, and Society

Federal Government to have minor role in coping with avian flu

October 23rd, 2005

As we await the detailed Federal plan for coping with an avian flu pandemic, it appears that the Federal Government intends to leave the primary responsibility to state and local governments. Think about this: tens of thousands of local governments, many with very limited resources, will have to cope with a disster the likes of which hasn’t been see for over 80 years. Every local government that does a poor job will help

the pandemic spread, causing greater problems for everyone.
If a bird-flu pandemic hits the United States, don’t expect to see the federal government riding to the rescue. “Communities, in large part, will be on their own,” predicts Pat Libbey, the executive director of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

The federal role in such a pandemic would be largely policy-oriented and advisory, Libbey and local health officials explain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would issue technical advice to health care workers, such as what symptoms to watch for in the population, how to administer a vaccine or an antiviral, and which groups of patients should receive treatment first.

Entry Filed under: Public Health, Social Issues