INCLUDE HOME HEALTH AND VISITING NURSE AGENCIES IN EMERGENCY PLANNING AND PREPAREDNESS INITIATIVES

WHEREAS, the effects of September 11 have resulted in bioterrorism legislation with $1 billion to $3 billion for U.S. bioterrorism readiness; and

WHEREAS, Visiting Nurse Agencies and Home Healthcare Agencies have more than 100 years of public health and immunization experience that should be included in the bioterrorism readiness-planning process; and

WHEREAS, home health care is a frontline defense to any biological or chemical threat this country may face and a key component of the public health system; and

WHEREAS, in the hours and days following September 11, dedicated nurses and home health professionals continued to reach 5,000 patients in Lower Manhattan to ensure medication, food, water and supplies were available to them; and

WHEREAS, when Congress directs billions in grants to states, local governments and other public and private health care facilities:

RESOLVED, that the AFT seek congressional support for the inclusion of Visiting Nurse Agencies nationally in planning and designing community-based emergency preparedness plans, enhancing and training personnel and in developing and executing immunization programs.