May 21, 2004 Press Conference Set To Tout State’s Biopreparedness

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, May 21, 2004 - Baton Rouge --- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given Louisiana a “green” rating for biopreparedness. Green is the highest rating, indicating that the state is fully prepared to distribute medications and supplies in response to a bioterrorism event or large-scale health emergency.

The response plan is a team effort between the Department of Health and Hospitals’ Bioterrorism Preparedness and Emergency Response Unit and other state agencies, including the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana National Guard, Louisiana State Police, the Louisiana Hospital Association and Poison Control, as well as liaisons from the CDC.

LDH Secretary Dr. Fred Cerise will join State Health Officer Dr. Jimmy Guidry, Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, Adjutant General of Louisiana National Guard, Col. Henry Whitehorn of Louisiana State Police and representatives from all partner agencies will host a press conference Monday, May 24 at 11 a.m. to discuss Louisiana’s green rating and talk about biopreparedness efforts taking place within the state.

The press conference will be held at the LDH/OPH Emergency Operations Center, 6867 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite B. The Center is located within the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries Complex. Media are asked to park at the front entrance and enter through the main atrium, where they will be directed to the press conference. Reporters are welcome to take photos and video footage.

Please contact the LDH Bureau of Media and Communications at (225) 342-1532 with any questions.

WHAT: Press Conference to Announce Louisiana’s “Green” Rating

WHEN: Monday, May 24 @ 11 a.m.

WHERE: DHH/OPH Emergency Operations Center
                 6867 Bluebonnet Blvd., Suite B
                 (225) 763-3535

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