Public Health Buzz
H1N1 Swine Flu
The World Health Organization raised the worldwide pandemic level to 6 on June 11, 2009. H1N1, or swine flu, is currently active in 70 countries and is expected to continue spreading worldwide. While the increase in the pandemic level is due to the expected spread of the disease rather than the severity, flu continues to be an illness that carries special risks for vulnerable populations.
For the latest information on national and international updates on H1N1, go to the Centers for Disease Control web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. For state specific information, visit the Mississippi State Department of Health web site at http://www.msdh.state.ms.us.
Health Care Reform efforts
President Barack Obama campaigned, in part, on a plan to reform the country's health care system. Efforts are currently underway in Congress to craft a bill to address coverage for the uninsured as well as address cost containment measures. The American Public Health Association has created a campaign with information you can use in talking with your Legislators regarding health care reform. The PHACT (Public Health Action) Campaign includes a toolkit and other resources to help you effectively address the public health aspects of the proposed legislation. For more information, visit the APHA website at http://www.apha.org/advocacy/tips/PHACT+Campaign.htm.
At this time, MPHA has taken no official position regarding specific public health reform efforts.
Kellogg Foundation Grant
Two years ago, MPHA applied for and was awarded a grant from the Kellogg Foundation through APHA. The total grant package to APHA was designed to help state Affiliates build capacity and improve their ability to participate in advocacy effort and respond to new and emerging health threats.
During this second year of the grant, MPHA completed the process begun in year one to apply for and receive 501(c)3 non-profit status, which is crucial to preparing the Association to seek further funding opportunities and solicit donations. We've also improved our communication efforts with the membership through the instigation of newsletters and advocacy alerts delivered directly to members' e-mail addresses and starting this new, independent web site.
MPHA also increased National Public Health Week efforts this year, including hosting several exhibits and an MSDH staff appreciation event, co-sponsoring an NPHW forum at Jackson State University, and submitting a guest editorial to daily newspapers in Mississippi. The MPHA Executive Board is also actively working to create long-term plans for the Association in the areas of strategic planning and sustainability.