Home > Regional MRC Coordinators > Carla Holder > Region III Newsletters >

Region III Newsletter - Winter 2005

A Quarterly E-Newsletter Serving the MRC Units of Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia

In this issue:

• Avian Influenza
• Pandemic Influenza
• Emergency Preparedness
• Conference Highlights
• Grant Information Center
• Medicare Drug Benefit Plan Update
• Unit Highlights
• Happy Holidays
• National Health Observances
• We Want To Hear From You

---

Avian Influenza

We will not be seeing a scene like this anytime soon. With all the talk of Avian Influenza, some key facts have been included below:

What is avian influenza (bird flu)?
It is an infection caused by avian influenza viruses. These flu viruses naturally occur in birds. The bird flu is very contagious among birds. It has proven to be fatal for domesticated birds including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.

Can bird flu viruses infect humans?
Usually, bird flu viruses do not infect humans. More than 100 human infections with bird flu virus cases have been confirmed since 1997.

What are the symptoms of bird flu in humans?
The symptoms of bird flu can depend on which virus caused the infection. It can range from typical flu-like symptoms (cough, sore throat, fever, and muscle aches) to pneumonia, severe respiratory diseases, and other potentially fatal complications.

What is avian influenza A (H5N1) virus?
Influenza A (H5N1) virus is an influenza A virus subtype that occurs for the most part in birds. H5N1 circulates among birds worldwide and is very contagious.

Want more key facts about the Avian Flu? Visit the CDC Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/gen-info/facts.htm.

Pandemic Influenza

The potential threat of a flu pandemic has become a main topic of discussion. With that in mind, it is vital that we prepare ourselves and our communities for this possible event. The best initial step is to review the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Pandemic Influenza Plan. Visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov to obtain a copy of the plan. It is an integral plan that desires to obtain a “state of readiness and quick response."

The critical components of the plan include:

1. Strengthening surveillance and containment measures
2. Stockpiling antivirals and vaccines
3. Creating a “seamless” system of local, state, and Federal preparedness
4. Enhancing awareness by creating public education and communication components

If you are interested in seeing state-specific pandemic flu plans, follow this link http://www.cste.org/specialprojects/Influenzaplans/StateMap.asp  to a clickable map that will allow you to click on a state, thus display the state plan.

This anticipated threat we are currently facing has been compared the epidemic of 1918. In a matter of months, more than 600,000 Americans’ lives ceased due to this deadly virus. Follow this link: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/influenza/filmmore/index.html for a striking recap of this tragic event.

Emergency Preparedness

The 7th annual International Conference on Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 16. It was hosted by the Center for Bioterrorism and Disaster Preparedness at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. It was a great opportunity to hear from national and international experts who have been involved with various terrorism and disaster response efforts. The selected topics covered were pre-hospital preparedness, hospital preparedness, bioterrorism and explosives, natural disasters, and school violence.

The Assistant Commissioner and the Chief Inspector of the London Police discussed the events related to the London Subway Bombings. Throughout their presentation, they reiterated the importance of joint training exercises, engaging in the community, and communication. Sound familiar? The following is a link to the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel (LESLP) Web site: www.leslp.gov.uk. This panel consists of representatives from the police department, fire department, emergency response team, transportation authority, and other local authorities. On the Web site, there is LESLP manual that can be downloaded to obtain insight on international emergency preparedness and response efforts.

back to top

Conference Highlights

Participants of the first annual Region III Unit Leaders Conference.

The first annual Region III Unit Leaders Conference was a success. This event took place in Richmond, Virginia on November 14–15. It was 2 days filled with informative presentations, local MRC unit sharing and updates, best practices, and networking opportunities. This conference gave individuals the opportunity to get an inside look at what is taking place throughout the region with their fellow unit leaders.

The first day consisted of greetings and remarks from Dr. Lisa Kaplowitz (VA Deputy Commissioner for the Emergency Preparedness & Response Program) and Dr. Dalton Paxman (Regional Health Administrator). CDR Robert Tosatto (Director, Medical Reserve Corps) substantiated on the goals and initiatives of the MRC Program Office and how it relates to the local MRC’s mission.

The attendees participated in a Round Robin, which allowed each individual MRC unit the opportunity to share information related to their volunteer numbers, unit focus, and recent/current efforts that were taking place within their units.

Atlia Omer, President of Collaborative Fusion, presented on ESAR-VHP as it relates to the MRC. Mr. Omer’s presentation was beneficial and allowed the unit leaders the opportunity to have related questions answered.

The following day consisted of interactive breakout sessions and a feedback discussion. This session focused on unit challenges and aspirations for the future. It was deemed very helpful to get different perspectives on critical issues that all MRC units experience.

Dr. John Clizbe, Coordinator of Alexandria MRC, discussed Critical Volunteer Issues: Recruitment, Retention, and Mobilization. This presentation explained all the integral components of our most vital resource, our volunteers. He provided a step-by-step plan on how to obtain and maintain a positive partnership with a volunteer.

Many thanks to Judy Marston, Joan Lawrence, and Sam Schaffzin for planning such a fantastic conference. Thank you, Virginia, for hosting this event.

Our Regional Conferences will be held on an annual basis. Please let me know what you would like to see at the next meeting. Interested in hosting our next conference? Let me know. You can contact me via e-mail: carla.holder@hhs.gov or call (215) 861-4624. All of your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Grant Information Center

Here are some helpful links for grants that have a Disaster Prevention and Relief focus:

• Learn and Serve America Higher Education Grant Program
• Learn and Serve America School Based Program

As of November 7, 2005, all Federal agencies have to post their grant opportunities online. For access to all Federal grant opportunities, you can go to Grants.gov. Visit http://www.grants.gov/Find#receive. This will allow you to sign up and receive all the Federal grant postings currently available. In addition, the site will give you the option to specify your search by category or agency.

Medicare Drug Benefit Update

Enrollment began November 15, 2005, for the new Medicare Prescription Plan. All individuals who sign up before December 31, 2005, will have coverage beginning January 1, 2006.

Five things to know about the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit include the following:

1. This benefit is available to ALL beneficiaries (65 and older, disabled, individuals currently enrolled in traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, and those with pre-existing conditions).
2. There will be extra help available for those with limited income (below 150% of Federal poverty level).
3. Retiree Support will be offered. Under the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA), Medicare will pay employers 28% of retiree drug costs between $250 and $5,000 to ensure that employers “stay in the game."
4. Catastrophic coverage will be available. When the average Medicare beneficiary has spent $3,600 out of pocket; the Federal Government will pay about 95% of their total drug costs.
5. Deciding to take the coverage is voluntary. A decision either way will not impact Physician and Hospital benefits.

For additional information:

• 1-800-Medicare
• http://www.Medicare.gov
• Face-to-face counseling through the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIPs) and other partners

Your MRC unit can play a vital role in disseminating this information out to the seniors in your community. You can obtain informational materials (enrollment forms, brochures, etc.) from the Region III Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). These materials can be utilized in your community activities and health fairs. Region III CMS can be contacted at (215) 861-4748.

back to top

Unit Highlights

We have two new units that have recently joined us in Region III. Central Shenandoah Medical Reserve Corps is located in Staunton, Virginia. The unit coordinator for this site is Kenneth Flick, Jr. The Lord Fairfax Health District Medical Reserve Corps is located in Winchester, Virginia. Aaron Kesecker is the unit coordinator for this MRC. Please, let us welcome these new units to Region III.

Arlington County Public Health Division MRC created a volunteer management system model (ACPH-VMS) in collaboration with the George Washington University, Institute for Crisis, Disaster, and Risk Management. The Executive Summary, System Description, and Concept of Operations and Operational Tools can be downloaded at: http://www.gwu.edu/~icdrm. If you have any additional questions, contact Jan Tenerowicz at (703) 228-4986 or jtener@arlingtonva.us.

Happy Holidays

It is holiday time again! With all the food, fun, and frolic, we still need to be healthy and safe. Here are a few things to consider:

• Resist the urge to overeat—Watch your portion sizes and choose one or two of your favorite tempting foods to indulge
• Adhere to your routine exercise plan as much as possible
• Get up and dance to that holiday music
• Make healthy New Year’s resolutions—Your local MRC can suggest regular walk groups, etc. in your community
• Instead of filling the bowls up with candy, fill them with fresh, festive fruit
• If you drink alcohol, do it moderation

These and other tips can be shared within your community to ensure that everyone has a healthy, happy, and safe holiday season. For more holiday tips, go to http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/spotlights/holiday_tips.htm.

National Health Observances

December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month. Visit http://www.ncadd.com/ to get more information. The 3-D Month Holiday Planner has various prevention messages and tools that can be utilized within your community.        

January is National Blood Donor Month. The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) has a disaster response section in their Web site: http://www.aabb.org/About_the_AABB/Disaster_Response/disastercontact.htm. In addition, there is Disaster Response Handbook which contains helpful information in case of a disaster or act of terrorism that could affect the blood supply.

February is Heart Month. Visit the Web site to see what special events will be happening in your area. Heart Disease is the number 1 killer for American women. So let's increase awareness in the community and Go Red. You also can contact 1-888-MY-HEART to get a free red dress pin.

We Want To Hear From You

The information obtained from your MRC unit is essential. Please send me your best practices, special events that will be taking place within your unit, and any other highlights you would like to be displayed in the quarterly newsletter.

In addition, please update your unit profile. The MRC Program Office suggests that you update your information quarterly. This will convey the most up-to-date information for potential volunteers who may be interested in joining the MRC.

Please feel free to contact me:

Carla Holder, M.P.H.
Regional Coordinator, Region III
(DE, DC, MD, PA, VA, WV)
The Public Ledger Building
150 South Independence Mall West, Suite 436
Philadelphia, PA 19106
Office: (215) 861-4624

back to top

Last Updated on 8/14/2006