In March 2007, the Hamilton County Pandemic Influenza Response Plan was released.  The plan outlines disease monitoring, laboratory procedures, vaccine and antiviral distribution, and community interventions that would take place during an outbreak of pandemic influenza. 

The plan was presented to Hamilton County Commission on April 12th and the community on April 20th.  The plan was tested through a tabletop exercise on May 1st in collaboration with the Tennessee Department of Health Southeast Region.  The tabletop exercise involved almost 130 participants from the community representing the following sectors: businesses, hospitals, public health, schools, child care, colleges, mortuary services, community organizations, corrections, faith-based groups, human services agencies, fire departments, law enforcement, long-term care, and mental health services.  There were participants from 10 counties at the tabletop exercise including: Bledsoe, Bradley, Grundy, Hamilton, McMinn, Marion, Meigs, Polk, Rhea, and Sequatchie counties. 

As with any of the risks that we face in Hamilton County -- including natural disasters and the ongoing possibility of terrorist attacks -- it is imperative that all segments of society be prepared. Knowing the facts is the best preparation. Reliable, accurate, and timely information is available at www.pandemicflu.gov. 

Another source of information on pandemic influenza is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Hotline at: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).