From Missouri Digital News: https://mdn.org
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
MDN Menu

MDN Home

Journalist's Creed

Print

MDN Help

 MDN.ORG Mo. Digital News Missouri Digital News MDN.ORG: Mo. Digital News MDN.ORG: Missouri Digital News
Help  

State doles out $6 million for emergency preparedness

October 31, 2003
By: Ann M. Hynek
State Capital Bureau

Missouri health agencies receive nearly $6 million from the state's Department of Health. Ann Hynek has the story.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Most health agencies in Missouri did not have a plan of action in the event of a bioterrorist attack just one year ago.

The state Health Department gave money to various agencies across the state last year to begin emergency planning.

Now, The Department of Health and Center for Disease Control renewed this contract, giving health agencies $5.9 million.

John Shelton, public information officer for the Emergency Response Unit in St. Louis County, says the state still has a long way to go.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: Shelton says that preparing for a bioterrorist attack is an ongoing process. With the continual changes going on each day, it's difficult to say when or if the state will be completely prepared.

The renewed funding will be used for training, equipment, education and hiring more specialists for public health agencies.

From the state Capitol, I'm Ann Hynek.

Date: October 31, 2003

By: Ann M. Hynek

State Capital Bureau

The Missouri Department of Health gives close to $6 million to local health agencies. Ann Hynek has the story.

Story:
RunTime:
OutCue: SOC

Preparation for a bioterrorist attack was not on the agenda of most Missouri health agencies just one year ago.

The state Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control changed that last fall, giving money to local health agencies for emergency preparation.

With the renewed contract this year, all agencies can improve the work they began last year.

Chris Smith, the Regional Bioterrorism Response Planner for Boone County, says she feels confident in the progress made so far.

Actuality:
RunTime:
OutCue:
Contents: Smith says the funding provided in the past year has helped the preparation process in case of an emergency.

The money will help intensify efforts and continue planning.

Smith says the focus this year is to recruit more volunteers to help in an emergency situation.

Residents of Columbia, Missouri, can contact their local Office of Volunteer Services for more information.

From the state Capitol, I'm Ann Hynek.