IHS National headquarters, Area, local, and community planning for responding to pandemic influenza is critical. To assist you in your efforts, the Indian Health Service (IHS) has developed the following planning guide, based on materials developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (State and Local Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Public Health Agency for Canada (Pandemic Influenza Planning Considerations in On-reserve First Nations Communities). It identifies important, specific activities that can be completed now to prepare at local (service unit/health care facility), and community levels.
Although based on national recommendations, this planning guide is not intended to set forth mandatory requirements; rather it provides guidance that, if followed, will ensure a standard level of preparedness. Each local and community jurisdiction should determine whether this standard level is adequate and sufficient for pandemic influenza or other disease outbreaks in accordance with community expectations, laws, and procedures.
Goal
This planning guide outlines key activities needed to plan an appropriate response to pandemic influenza at the local (service unit/facility), and community level.
Planning with your State, Area, Tribe, County
This document is not a substitute for adequately planning with your local state health department, IHS Area, tribe, and county. Pandemic Influenza Summits occurred in each state from December 2005-April 2006. Representatives from DHHS went to each of the states to participate in these summits. A major purpose of these conferences was to reach appropriate individuals (other than public health officials) who will be instrumental in pandemic influenza planning. The Federal government will offer preparation guidance, but there will need to be local support to foster satisfactory planning at the local level (e.g. in tribes, schools, businesses, and hospitals).