Press Release |CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
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NUMBER: 07-20
DATE: April 2, 2007
FOR RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
CONTACT: Mike Bowman or Ken August (916) 440-7660

DR. MARK HORTON ANNOUNCED AS STATE'S INCOMING DIRECTOR OF THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH; LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE FOR EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

SACRAMENTO - Dr. Mark Horton, named by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today as incoming director of the new Department of Public Health (DPH), kicked off Public Health Week, April 2 to April 8, by launching a new public health emergency preparedness Web site, www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov.

Horton launched the new Web site at a State Capitol press conference today where he was introduced by California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Belshé and California Department of Health Services (CDHS) Director Sandra Shewry as the incoming DPH director.

"Everyone has a responsibility for emergency preparedness," Horton said. "This new Web site gives Californians the information they need to get ready before the next earthquake, fire, flood or other emergency strikes."

The Web site is designed to provide information for families, businesses, schools and health care providers in plain, easy-to-understand language. For example, family members can learn:

* How to develop a disaster plan;
* How to prepare an emergency supply kit;
* How to talk to children about a crisis; and
* Disaster planning tips for pet and livestock owners.

Business owners can obtain advice on communicating with employees during an emergency and how to help them cope with stress. For schools, there is an emergency and evacuation planning guide and instruction on how to shelter students in place. Health care providers will find information on how to respond to a bioterrorism event, guidelines for emergency response, training and conferences.

The Web site also contains facts about specific public health threats such as anthrax, smallpox, a chemical attack, a "dirty bomb" and pandemic influenza.

"We hope 'Be Prepared California' will become the 'go-to' Web site for public health emergency preparedness in our state," Horton said.

The Web site is the centerpiece of the CDHS' "Be Prepared California" campaign that emphasizes public education and outreach.

The Governor's announcement marks the Administration's continuing commitment to elevating public health issues, from emergency and disaster preparedness to ensuring access to health care services and promoting prevention and wellness.

Upon assuming office, the Governor elevated the prominence of public health policy through the appointment of a State Public Health Officer who would serve as a chief deputy director of CDHS. Horton has served in that role for the past 15 months.

Last spring, the Governor called for legislation to create the DPH and reorganize the existing CDHS. In August 2006, the Governor signed legislation (SB 162-Ortiz) which will establish a new state DPH and reorganize the existing CDHS. Horton will assume his official duties as director of the DPH when the department is formed on July 1, 2007, pursuant to the law the Governor enacted.

The "Be Prepared California" Web site provides information in 12 languages besides English: Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Chinese, Farsi, Hmong, Korean, Lao, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

In addition to the new Web site, CDHS is currently:

* Providing Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication trainings to local health department leaders;
* Conducting regional "Special Populations" forums on how to strengthen the preparedness of groups who may face greater risks during an emergency;
* Working closely with public health partners and stakeholders to raise awareness of emergency preparedness;
* Translating preparedness materials into a variety of languages and developing low literacy documents.

The Governor has made emergency preparedness a top priority in California. In February, CDHS and Kaiser Permanente unveiled a television public service announcement that advises individuals on how to prepare for a potential influenza pandemic. The current state budget dedicates $214 million to improve the ability of hospitals, clinics and emergency response agencies to respond to a pandemic. The funds provide for medical supplies and equipment, hospital ventilators, masks for health care workers, three mobile field hospitals and antiviral medicines.

For more information about emergency preparedness log on to www.bepreparedcalifornia.ca.gov.