IFHC's PURPOSE

It works to enhance communication among public- and private-sector officials and to provide insights that can help them translate innovative thinking into policy and practical application. IFHC also promotes critical and creative thinking among leaders of the future.

SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAMS OF NOTE

Presenting ideas and initiatives in federal agencies that entail collaborative effort, could serve as a model for others, or represent a new and exciting approach to some aspect of healthcare.

Pandemic influenza occurred three times in the past century – in 1919, 1957, and 1969. The mildest, in 1969, took the lives of about 34,000 people in the United States; the most severe, in 1918, killed 675, 000 Americans and up to 50 million people worldwide. While the novel influenza A H1N1 virus has claimed no where near that number of lives, there continues to be a steady number of cases reported throughout the world by the news media. 

Because of its global presence, the Department of Defense is uniquely positioned to both recognize emerging infectious disease and serve as an effective platform to support U.S. efforts to respond to an international pandemic. Indeed, it was two DoD influenza surveillance systems that identified the first four cases of novel H1N1 in the United States. Those same systems are actively engaged in monitoring the worldwide spread of the disease, and providing the critical information needed to combat any return of H1N1, or other pandemic strains, in the future.   

While the department’s first priority is to preserve the ability of U.S. forces and DoD civilians to defend the nation and sustain current military operations, it also plays a vital role (with the departments of Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and State) in the National Pandemic Influenza Strategy Implementation Plan. In fact, the Department of Defense is involved in a third of all government tasks. The Department of Defense has been actively engaged in developing medical mitigation measures against pandemic influenza for more than a decade, and in department-wide preparation for the past four years.   

Indeed, to ensure that the department can continue to effectively perform its mission in a pandemic environment, plans are in place for all combatant commands and military installations, as well as for each of the services. We have also established stockpiles of antiviral medications, antibiotics, and personal protective equipment for both medical providers and DoD beneficiaries. Communication is another critical component of our layered response to keep DoD leadership, health care providers, and beneficiaries up-to-date, and to reduce the impact of a pandemic on both the individual and our department.  Of course, DoD’s worldwide surveillance capabilities remain on full alert to detect any further outbreaks of the illness. 

DoD’s universal influenza immunization program, as well as its seasonal influenza surveillance systems, are unique and irreplaceable national assets. In the 1940s, DoD scientists developed the very first vaccine for seasonal flu. Since that time, DoD influenza samples have been used to formulate seasonal influenza vaccines for all Americans. We also provide information on vaccine effectiveness, and how a virus changes throughout the influenza season.  To access any of DoD’s educational materials, obtain more information about DoD policy and guidelines, or link to other U.S. government pandemic influenza websites, visit the DoD pandemic influenza website at www.dod.mil/pandemicflu.  

Do you know someone whose contributions to federal health care should be recognized? If so, send a five-to-six paragraph review of the person's accomplishments to tomich@fedhealthinst.org. Include any relevant links and photos.

NANCY TOMICH

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The Institute of Federal Health Care is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. Financial support of USMI is tax deductible. A copy of our current financial statement is available upon request.