173717 Success through Alliance: The Product and Process of the ASPH/CDC Pandemic Influenza Collaboration Group

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 9:30 AM

Elizabeth Hosmanek, JD , University Hygienic Laboratory, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Christopher G. Atchison, MPA , College of Public Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Andrew C. Rucks, PhD , Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health, Birmingham, AL
Greg Smothers, MPA , Division of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances (DPSA); National Center for Health Marketing (NCHM), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA
The ASPH/CDC Pandemic Influenza Collaboration Group includes 32 individuals from 24 academic institutions, public health organizations, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Over a period of eight months, the Group developed a Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Resource Kit for Academic Institutions. The Resource Kit is an extensive document intended to be adaptable for use by any academic institution. It is an obvious illustration of the successes possible when organizations mutually work towards common goals. This presentation is co-authored by four diverse members of the Collaboration Group. Together we will outline the Resource Kit, its applications, plan development, operability, and maintenance. Lessons learned, issues to consider, obstacles overcome, and activities accomplished will be highlighted. The Resource Kit can be used by organizations at any stage of planning and will undoubtedly strengthen existing all-hazards as well as public health emergency plans. A borderless approach to planning provides users with the opportunity to meaningfully conduct a risk analysis and avoid the pitfalls of “fill in the blanks” planning. Whereas standard templates are found in abundance, the Resource Kit is a rare document that inspires action by operationalizing preparedness at a personal level.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn new approaches to justify public health emergency preparedness, thereby overcoming complacency through inspiration. 2. Acquire greater appreciation for the depth of continuity of operations planning necessary to minimize disruption during an emergency. 3. Identify achievable goals and a realistic timeline to maximize preparedness at your organization.

Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, Communicable Disease

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked as part of the University of Iowa Pandemic Influenza Task Force since November 2006. I was a member of the ASPH/CDC Pandemic Influenza Collaboration Group.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.