The American Medical Association (AMA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognized four communities' pandemic influenza preparedness plans for exemplary planning in times of disaster. The awards and plans were presented last week at the 2nd National Congress on Health Systems Readiness in Washington, D.C.

The winning plans hail from Multnomah County, Oregon; Northeastern Minnesota; Scottsdale, Arizona; and Northern Virginia. Multnomah County (located in the northwest corner of Oregon) and Scottsdale, Arizona were recognized for their local approach to community planning and integration. Both Northeastern Minnesota and Northern Virginia were recognized for their plans for medical capacity in the event of pandemic influenza.

"We recognize the severe impact pandemic influenza would have on the nation and the importance of being prepared for such a catastrophe at the community level," said AMA President Ronald M. Davis, MD. "We applaud these communities for their excellent plans and proactive efforts."

The 2nd National Congress on Health Systems Readiness, hosted by the AMA and CDC, brings public health and health care delivery sectors together in an effort to improve preparedness at the community level for an influenza pandemic. The AMA and CDC expect the congress to improve integration of health care and public health leadership at the community level, focus on community-wide planning, and establish pandemic influenza preparedness as a prototype of community readiness.

http://www.ama-assn.org