January 31, 2006

Michigan recently received high marks for enhancements to state and local readiness programs that distribute medicines to the public in the event of a public health emergency.

Michigan’s rating on the plan for statewide distribution of medications and medical supplies from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) was elevated from amber plus to green minus in a recent assessment conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

“The improvements mark a year of impressive maturation in our ability to receive and distribute medicine and medical supplies,” said Janet Olszewski, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. “During any type of public health emergency, state and local public health planners work together to ensure that medicines are delivered to any affected area to quickly protect Michigan residents.”

Michigan public health planners continuously refine procedures to request, receive, distribute and dispense supplies from federal partners. Michigan showed improvements in tactical communications between partners, further ensuring expedited delivery of SNS supplies in the event local communities run out of vaccine or antibiotics. This effort requires an efficient system for tracking the inventory.

Another high readiness rating for Michigan came from The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), which analyzed data from sources including the American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Michigan ranked sixth in the nation and was given a B- grade for its overall support for an emergency medical care system that meets the needs of Michigan residents.

“Michigan scored an A for public health and safety, which directly relates to our state’s collective emergency preparedness. The Regional Medical Initiative working with the emergency departments, regional medical directors, and local emergency physicians are largely responsible for contributing to this above-average grade,” Olszewski said. “Michigan’s public health and health care communities continue to work hard to be prepared to respond to any public health threat. We look forward to continued developments in these important areas.”