Public Health Emergency Weekly Report

Public Health Emergency Weekly Report

Public Health Matters Blog:  5 Things You Really Need to Know About Zika

Outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and most recently in the Americas. Because the mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are found throughout the world, it is likely that outbreaks will continue to spread. Here are 5 things that you really need to know about the Zika virus.  Learn More >>

From the HHS Blog: On the Ground in Flint Every community needs safe drinking water. Every community deserves it. At HHS, our mission is to make sure that every American has the tools they need to live a healthy life.  During her recent trip to Flint, Secretary Burwell got a first-hand look at the impact that this health crisis is having on the community and she outlined steps that HHS is taking to help the Flint recover.  In her blog, Secretary Burwell discusses some of the important steps that HHS is taking to help the community and she reminds Flint residents of steps that they can take to protect their own health.  Learn More >>

Michigan Calls in Federal ACE Team to Study Rashes

As a follow-up to the investigation of rashes possibly associated with Flint water, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has requested an Assessment of Chemical Exposure (ACE) from the HHS.  CDC  will provide a rapid epidemiological assessment which includes assistance with training, surveying, interviews, sampling, and more. Learn More>>

The Federal Response:  This Week in Flint 

The federal government continues to help the community in Flint recover from the water crisis.  From new studies to investigate an outbreak of rashes to ongoing initiatives to get kids the lead blood tests they need to nutrition programs that give more kids access to foods that have the nutrients that they need, the federal government is working on a wide range of priorities to help improve health outcomes in Flint.  Learn More >>

My Preparedness Story: Staying Healthy and Resilient Video Challenge Calling all young, creative producers with an eye for building community health preparedness!  There's just one month left to enter the “My Preparedness Story: Staying Healthy and Resilient” video challenge. The challenge invites young people between the ages of 14 and 23 to submit a short video that answers the question, “How are you helping family, friends and your community to protect their health during disasters and every day?” The best submission will win a $2,000 prize.  Learn More >>

From the ASPR Blog:  Putting Patients First:  Reforming Emergency and Acute Care Delivery in the U.S.

Emergency and acute care touches Americans’ lives, and the way this care is delivered is ripe for change. We need a more integrated and patient-centered way to deliver care during our most vulnerable moments. In this weeks blog, we look at some of the challenges facing the healthcare system and some HHS initiatives to help patients get the care they need.  Learn More >>