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Tornado Project

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services today issued a contract for advanced development of a novel antibiotic that potentially could treat illnesses caused by biological threats, such as anthrax and plague, as well as treat bacterial pneumonia and certain life-threatening bacterial infections associated with prolonged hospitalization.

The advanced research and development of the new drug, called TP-434, is being supported under a contract to CUBRC, Inc. of Buffalo, N.Y., in partnership with Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals of Watertown, Mass. The contract, supported and managed by the HHS Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), is for .4 million in the first year and can be extended an additional four years, for a total of five years and up to a total value of .2 million.

Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals currently is developing TP-434, a member of the tetracycline class of antibiotics, to treat complicated intra-abdominal infections. Early research and development indicates that TP-434 also could be effective against bacteria known to be resistant to many other antibiotics, including other tetracyclines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Antibiotic resistance is a major concern in the healthcare community as well as a concern in responding to biological attacks.

The BARDA contract will support testing of TP-434 in clinical and animal studies as well as the fine-tuning of drug manufacturing. The contract also supports development of both oral and intravenous formulations of TP-434. Developing TP-434 in both oral and intravenous formulations will make it appropriate for use in severely ill patients who require intravenous treatment and during their recovery when oral therapy is appropriate.

“Protecting the nation against biological threats requires a wide variety of countermeasures, and we’ve found that an efficient way to develop such countermeasures is to focus on products that have both commercial and biodefense uses,” BARDA Director Robin Robinson explained. “This approach was recommended by the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise Review which the Secretary released in 2010, and supporting the development of TP-434 reflects our ongoing commitment to multi-purpose products and the expansion of our antimicrobial portfolio for national preparedness.”

TP-434 is the fourth to be funded under the Broad Spectrum Antimicrobials Program led by BARDA. Recognizing the critical linkage to national bioterrorist preparedness, the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act of 2006 specifically identifies BARDA’s role in the development of broad spectrum antimicrobials. BARDA is seeking additional proposals for broad-spectrum antimicrobials that could potentially treat or prevent illness due to biological threat agents. Proposals are accepted through the Broad Agency Announcement BARDA-CBRN-BAA-11-100-SOL-00009 at www.fbo.gov.

HHS is the principal federal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is a HHS leader in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities’ ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security.

Within ASPR, BARDA provides a comprehensive integrated portfolio approach to the advanced research and development, innovation, acquisition, and manufacturing infrastructure for vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products for public health emergency threats. These threats include chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases.

For more information on national public health and medical preparedness, visit www.phe.gov and to learn more about partnering with BARDA in public health preparedness visit www.medicalcountermeasures.gov. The Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasure Enterprise Review is available at http://www.phe.gov/preparedness/mcm/enterprisereview/Pages/default.aspx.

<a href="http://www.yadkinripple.com/view/full_story/17261396/article-HHS-aids-development-of-next-generation-broad-spectrum-antibiotic?instance=home_news_leadtag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.yadkinripple.com/view/full_story/17261396/article-HHS-aids-development-of-next-generation-broad-spectrum-antibiotic?instance=home_news_leadMon, 23 Jan 2012 14:11:47 GMT”>HHS aids development of next generation broad spectrum antibiotic

Disaster Survival Preparedness

Abusing a substance like alcohol can have potentially life threatening consequences for an individual. It will also impact the lives of their friends and family. When someone is an alcoholic, they can find that getting the right kind of help can really be of assistance. If you are suffering from this issue or you know someone who is, you will want to know what benefits are available with alcohol addiction rehabilitation.

Benefits

One of the first benefits that an individual will find is that they are away from the usual temptations of home. They do not have access to the alcoholic beverages that they would usually be able to consume whenever they wanted to. This is a step in the right direction and will help the individual to resist abusing alcoholic substances.

Detoxification

As soon as someone enters a rehab center, they will be put on a program that will help them to detox. This is absolutely essential and without the step of the process a person would not be able to complete their program. In these centers, medical personnel can help them with the psychological and physical issues that they will come up against while going through withdrawal.

Communication

When a person is a resident in a center, they will be able to share their experiences with other people who have gone through the same thing. In addition to being able to speak to other patients, there are other councilors at hand to discuss issues with. Often dealing with past trauma can be a way forward for many individuals.

Support

Knowing that there is always someone to talk to is another huge benefit for people suffering from substance abuse. Whenever they feel unable to cope they can speak to someone who understands what they are going through. This will lessen the likelihood of them reverting back to drinking if the going gets tough during rehab.

Tailor Made Treatment

Many of the treatment plans that individuals receive are tailored to suit their own needs. This is a practical solution to a very difficult problem and one that can actually work. By creating these bespoke plans a person will have a much better chance of succeeding.

Independent Living

As a person’s stay in alcohol detoxification comes to an end, they will be shown coping mechanism that they can use. These are absolutely essential and a key aspect of successfully overcoming addiction to alcoholic substances. After rehab, a person will also be provided with contacts whom they can speak with if they are struggling to cope on the outside world.

Many people have engaged in drug abuse and because of this behavior, have transformed themselves into addicts. That is why there are numerous rehabilitation centers built to assist them overcome the addiction. For this reason, one needs to select the most suitable drug treatment center. Before selecting the drug rehabilitation program of your choice, you need to consider their programs, expertise of the staff and the kind of people they are rehabilitating.

Programs

First, when making any decision, take note of the programs they are offering. Some clinics offer holistic treatment whereas others specialize in other treatment areas. Similarly, there are other options such as traditional treatment and alternative therapies. Though all these methods work, people have their preferences, which differ from one person to the other.

Different Addictions

Another determinant on what clinic to select is the experience you have had with drugs. An example is that a cocaine addict might not cope in a center meant for alcohol addicts. Based on your type of addiction, you need to search for an appropriate clinic to assist you to deal with your addiction.

Inpatient/Outpatient Care

Once you have established centers that are most likely to help you or your loved one overcome addiction, there are still other issues you must consider. For instance, there is the issue of inpatient or outpatient care. For those who have homes close to the center, the outpatient option might seem more appealing. However, you should note that choosing this option might hamper recovery when the patient leaves the clinic because he or she will be facing the same temptations or stress that led him or her to experiment with the drugs in the first place.

Inpatient Advantages

Bearing this in mind, it may be a good idea to select the inpatient program. Opting for a clinic far from the place where one got this addiction may yield good results if the patient is not committed fully to the given treatment. This is caused by the fact that the patient is not experiencing the same circumstances that led him to using drugs.

Accreditation

Another factor to guide you on you choice of the clinic is whether the clinic is accredited and licensed. For the best experience, the clinic must be licensed and accredited by the state authorities. This is important because it is the best proof that the programs offered are run by well-trained experts in mental health. Such specialists are the only ones who can help one overcome addiction.

Aftercare

Finally, it is vital to know the kind of medical detox aftercare offered. This type of care will insure that the patient will not have a relapse. For better results, the center should have established aftercare programs that include referrals to support groups or other recovery programs. Moreover, both the staff and the patient should design a working discharge plan before the patient moves from clinic.

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<a href="http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/01/03/local-communities-reach-deep-reach-out-and-rebuild/tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/01/03/local-communities-reach-deep-reach-out-and-rebuild/Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:01:00 GMT”>Local communities reach deep, reach out and rebuild

Disaster Survival Preparedness

<a href="http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/41647-Ninety-percent-of-LGUs-are-practicing-transparency-Robredo.htmltag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/41647-Ninety-percent-of-LGUs-are-practicing-transparency-Robredo.htmlFri, 13 Jan 2012 11:33:05 GMT”>Ninety percent of LGUs are practicing transparency — Robredo

Disaster Survival Preparedness

If you are a woman seeking a life away from addiction, you may wish to consider sober living for women facilities. This kind of housing can help you prepare yourself for a new way of life. Here is additional information including some of the benefits.

Residential Location

When you live in a typical sobriety home, you are in a normal neighborhood and not a hospital or institution. You may be living with several other women in the home. You need to pay rent each month and you will be sharing a bedroom in most cases. Your living expenses will be affordable but you must have a job if you are able bodied.

Rules

When you decide to stay in a sobriety house, you have specific rules that must be obeyed. For example, these facilities have a policy of zero tolerance for any kind of alcohol or drug use. You also must get along with the other residents and not cause conflict. If you violate the zero tolerance rule, you will be ejected from the home immediately.

Drug Testing

People living in sobriety houses must understand that they could be drug tested at any time. They also are expected to conform to house rules like being in before the curfew time. These places are not designed for people that are undergoing detox. They are for people that are working to get their lives back together.

Learning Opportunity

Sober living for women facilities provide a learning experience for the people who live there. They get the chance to focus on and experience a life without drugs or alcohol. For many people, this is something entirely new in their lives and they will need help and support for these important life changes. Everyone in the house will be supportive and understanding to each other’s needs.

Recovery Programs

Sobriety homes promote living without the aid of alcohol or drugs. The entire atmosphere is focused on young adult drug rehab. There is counseling available and residents will need to attend some type of recovery program like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. Residents will have the chance to have a normal schedule in their life for sleeping, eating, leisure and working. For many people, this is something new and must be learned and adjusted to.

Family and Friends

A sobriety residence lets a woman get back with family and friends who are a good influence in her life. It is important to stay away from friends that use drugs or alcohol as they may lure you back into a life of addiction. Your new residence will give you the time you need to make new friends and contacts.

Many local businesses are still recovering from the repercussions of the April 2011 tornados that ripped through our area. Now is a great time to revisit and revise your emergency preparedness strategies and comprehensive business continuation plan.

Creating a disaster plan for your business is a great way to start the new year. Reacting efficiently to a natural disaster or emergency not only means ensuring the immediate safety of employees, but also planning how the business will continue to function in the aftermath. According to the Insurance Institute for Home and Business Safety, one in four small businesses forced to close because of a disaster never reopens.

After you’ve made plans to ensure the safety of your employees, BBB offers the following advice to help keep your business operating and meeting your customers’ needs in the wake of a disaster:

Don’t be caught off guard. Consider the different types of disasters — fire, flood, tornado, etc. — that can occur and how your business would respond differently to being displaced for a week, a month, or longer.

Know your surroundings. Determine alternate locations for your business to operate if you are displaced from your current building. This could mean enabling employees to work from home or finding an alternate location for your office or store.

Prepare your staff. Identify essential staff who are core to the operations of the business and keep a list of their phone numbers (home, work, pager, cell) and e-mail addresses that can be accessed by employees from several locations (home, Internet, etc.).

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate. Devise an emergency communications plan that outlines how your business will communicate with employees, customers, vendors and other key external contacts in the days following a disaster. Contact vendors and suppliers to confirm their emergency response plan procedures. Be prepared to use alternate vendors for essential supplies and equipment. Have your back-up equipment kept in good working condition. The website www.ready.gov has resources and tips on how to prepare your business in the event of an emergency, and how to write a comprehensive business emergency plan.

Have an up-to-date inventory of your assets. Review your insurance policies to ensure that you have adequate coverage for items you cannot afford to lose. A standard policy may not cover business interruption losses.

Store your documents safely and efficiently. Keep duplicates of personnel, payroll, payables and receivables and other essential records at an off-site location. Regularly make back-up copies of important computer files, and consider storing a set of those copies though an Internet storage site/data server.

Establish a succession of management for the company. Determine who will manage the company if key leaders are unavailable.

For more business tips, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.

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Disaster Survival Preparedness

9:30am | Long Beach Memorial and Miller Childrens Hospital Long Beach were recently recognized for its outstanding Trauma/Burn Surge Program by the Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP), U.S. Department of Health & Human Service and the Los Angeles County EMS Agency. The Trauma/Burn Surge Program ensures Long Beach Memorial and Miller Childrens are prepared for a disaster situation such as an earthquake, fire or any mass casualty crisis when a surge of patients will seek care at the hospital. The Trauma/Burn Surge Program is part of the comprehensive disaster program at Long Beach Memorial and Miller Childrens. The hospital also participates as a Disaster Resource Center (DRC) as part of the Hospital Preparedness Program.

It is an honor to be chosen by the LA County EMS Agency to represent the Trauma/Burn Surge Programs for LA County hospitals says Desiree Thomas, R.N., MSN, trauma educator/disaster surge coordinator. Were really proud of the programs and practices put in place to be a leading program in L.A.

The community agencies that evaluated the Trauma/Burn Surge Program at Long Beach Memorial were impressed by its comprehensive backup system in place for disaster situations. Supplies will be automatically deployed in a trauma/disaster surge. Paper medical forms and charts are on-hand if electronic systems go down, along with easy clinical staff response guidelines, with different instruction cards for each role. Also, the physical disaster task force is consistently trained and in-house individuals are designated to make decisions, when the usual communication systems are non-functional. The program is designed to be comprehensive and is continually evaluated, improved and refined to maintain and further the goal of continual readiness.

The Trauma/Burn Surge Program stands apart and includes many unique components such as extensive drills, practice, education and progressive equipment. Community agencies also got a chance to tour the blood bank and the state-of-the-art preparedness equipment Long Beach Memorial and Miller Childrens houses. HPP funds have been used to purchase important equipment to be used in patient care after a disaster. The funds have also been utilized to create roles that develop and hone the program, which includes an extensive number of educational offerings for physicians, nurses, and other support staff.

Thomas emphasizes the goal to educate and train everyday for trauma/disaster surge. If preparedness is learned and ingrained in everyday situations, staff will be prepared in a disaster situation, says Thomas.

<a href="http://www.lbpost.com/news/staffreports/13056tag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://www.lbpost.com/news/staffreports/13056Fri, 13 Jan 2012 20:20:23 GMT”>Long Beach Memorial Recognized As Distinguished Trauma, Burn Surge Program

Disaster Survival Preparedness

MARIETTA — In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Cobb County’s medical community saw a need for a team of physicians to respond to local emergencies and disasters.

The result was the founding of the Medical Reserve Corp in 2007 by the Cobb County Medical Society. Since then, it has grown to include 56 area physicians, making it the only MRC in the state to be composed primarily of physicians, according to the group.

Although the county already had an active Community Emergency Response Team program, which educates citizen-volunteers on disaster preparedness and response, the MRC decided its physicians would best be utilized outside the constraints of CERT.

Today, volunteer physicians meet bi-monthly at Cobb Police headquarters in Marietta to train to respond to a wide range of natural and man-made disasters and emergencies, sometimes working with firefighters and police. They’re also working with personnel at Dobbins Force Reserve Base, which often responds to disaster evacuations.

“The firefighters can only go up to a certain point,” said Joanne Thurston, Cobb Medical Society executive director. “We’ll have to work together, but until this MRC was created, they never included the medical community because they didn’t know how to organize the physicians.”

Cobb’s MRC is composed of physicians from a variety of specialties, including cardiologists, pediatricians, pharmacists and even veterinarians to treat pets in a disaster. They’ve designed their own medical emergency “to-go kits” to carry in their cars.

The MRC’s training coordinator is Dr. Debi Dalton of Powder Springs, director of the pediatric emergency department at WellStar Cobb Hospital in Austell. She said the existence of the group is invaluable because it also eases the burden on the county’s emergency systems when an emergency hits, such as the H1N1, or swine flu, virus in 2009.

A 43-year-old Cobb woman was the first person in Georgia to die from the H1N1 virus.

“As soon as (people) developed a runny nose, they would run to the hospitals, and it really burdened the system,” Dalton recalled of the H1N1 episode. She said the MRC is ready to step in if a related pandemic were to break out.

“The government would be able to store medication to give to us, and we would be able to hand it out to the population so that they wouldn’t overwhelm the system,” she said.

Thurston said the MRC aims to be part of the first line of defense in the case of serious non-emergencies, as well.

“We plan to increase it with more doctors and do more training,” she said of the organization.

The MRC is also open to non-physicians. To learn how to become a MRC health volunteer, contact Joanne Thurston of the Cobb County Medical Society at joanne.thurston@cobbdoctors.org.

<a href="http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/17027987/article-Doctors-at-the-heart-of-Cobb-unit%E2%80%99s-success?instance=special%20_coverage_right_columntag:news.google.com,2005:cluster=http://mdjonline.com/view/full_story/17027987/article-Doctors-at-the-heart-of-Cobb-unit’s-success?instance=special _coverage_right_columnSun, 08 Jan 2012 05:12:57 GMT”>Doctors at the heart of Cobb unit's success

Disaster Survival Preparedness