Timeline of Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Activities by DHMH

• March 2006 - Present
  Assist state government agencies and departments in pandemic influenza preparedness.

• February 2006
  Host federal and state officials at Maryland Pandemic Flu Summit.

• September 2005 - Present
  Provide presentations on preparing for pandemic influenza to multiple sectors including schools, businesses, health care, legal and judiciary, law enforcement, communities, and other public and private organizations.

• August 2005
  Partner with the Maryland State Department of Education to conduct a school-specific tabletop exercise to explore issues regarding school system response in an influenza pandemic.

• February 2005
  Implement Health and Medical Surge Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to address health system needs for large numbers of acutely ill and injured patients.

• Winter 2004-5
  Implement plans and procedures to re-distribute the limited supply of influenza vaccine across the state to assure coverage of vulnerable populations.  Real-life event integrated into current pandemic planning.

• December 2004
  Formed Delmarva poultry industries and health departments Joint Task Force to develop poultry worker protection plan against avian influenza

• April 2004
  Conduct tabletop exercise to evaluate selected aspects of the Maryland Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan.

• 2002 - Current
  Enhance hospital surge capacity.

• April 2002
  Revised and finalize the Maryland Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan based on input of wide array of partners and stakeholders.

• March 2000
  Develop draft Maryland Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Plan based on interim guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• March 1999 - Dec 2000
  Sponsor meetings and conferences to educate and promote awareness of need for advance planning to wide array of public and private stakeholders.

• March 1999
  Partner with Maryland Emergency Management Agency and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System in pandemic influenza planning.

• February 1999
  Begin formal pandemic influenza preparedness planning in Maryland.

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