March 10, 2006 – Department of Health Commissioner Darlene A. Carty announced today that U.S. Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and Surgeon General Richard Carmona of the United States Public Health Service are among a number of health professionals expected to speak at the U.S. Virgin Islands Pandemic Influenza Summit scheduled for March 23.
The summit, which is being hosted by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull, will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Beach Resort.
Deputy Secretary Alex Azar will discuss pandemic planning and how the nation's efforts to plan an emergency response for pandemic influenza will impact the V.I. business and healthcare community.
Other discussions will center on the following:
· Does your business or organization have a continuity of operations plan for a pandemic influenza emergency?
· Do you know how you will handle the change in demand for your goods or services during a pandemic influenza emergency?
· Do you know how your business or healthcare organization will participate in the statewide plan for addressing a pandemic influenza emergency?
Invitees will include business leaders, community and religious groups, educators, healthcare and social service providers, local government and media representatives. Begin your planning for the pandemic influenza now by attending this summit to learn more about your role in responding to it.
For more information on pandemic influenza visit: http://www.pandemicflu.gov