(Juneau) - The potential for a global influenza pandemic has become the topic of great speculation for the past several months. The Alaska Department of Health & Social Services has worked extensively on a prevention and response plan.

Dr. Richard Mandsager, Director for the Division of Public Health, has formulated a strategy to keep Alaska on the cutting edge of preparedness.

Sen. Fred Dyson (R - Eagle River), Chairman of the Senate Health Education & Social Services Committee, has scheduled a hearing on Monday, February 13 at 1:30 pm to learn more about the plan.

"Certainly, effective prevention and planning is essential, and this hearing will allow our public health officials to inform the Legislature and the public of the safeguards and options in place, should Alaskan communities be faced with an outbreak," said Sen. Dyson.

The department has created a new website that provides Alaskan businesses, communities, and organizations information that is useful for planning and preparation for the possibility of an influenza pandemic: www.pandemicflu.alaska.gov.

Who: Senate Health, Education and Social Services Committee
What: Influenza Pandemic Prevention and Response plan
When: Monday, February 13, 2006 @ 1:30 pm
Where: State Capitol Building, Butrovich Room (#205)

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