Healthy Living: Local News

ABC News: President Obama Makes Formal Declaration On Swine Flu

ABC News: President Obama Makes Formal Declaration On Swine Flu

By WKBW Programming

Story Updated: Oct 24, 2009

By: Rachel Martin,( ABC News )Saturday, the White House announced that late Friday the president signed an emergency declaration for the H1N1 flu.

White House officials said the declaration is a “pro active measure” to make sure health care facilities have the freedom they need to address the growing swine flu epidemic. They said the announcement “removes legal hurdles” for health care facilities as they decide on a case-by-case basis whether to implement emergency protocols to deal with swine flu.

The declaration itself does not allow facilities to bypass federal regulations. Instead, it allows them to apply for a waiver from the Department of Health and Human Services that will allow them to, as one senior White House official told ABC News, “establish alternate care sites, modified patient triage protocols, patient transfer procedures and other actions that occur when they fully implement disaster operations plans.”

You can read the official White House press release below:

* * * * * * *

President Obama Signs Emergency Declaration for H1N1 Flu

In keeping with the administration’s proactive approach to H1N1 Flu, President Obama last night signed a proclamation declaring 2009-H1N1 Influenza a national emergency. The proclamation enhances the ability of our Nation’s medical treatment facilities to handle a surge in H1N1 patients by allowing, as needed, the waiver of certain standard federal requirements on a case-by-case basis. A copy of the proclamation and the accompanying message to Congress are attached.

The foundation of our national approach to the H1N1 flu has been preparedness at all levels –- personal, business, and government –- and this proclamation helps that effort by advancing our overall response capability.

Please check Flu.gov for the most up-to-date news on H1N1, preparedness, and vaccine distribution.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

WKBW - TV and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Featured Professional

Ophthalmology

Atwal Eye Care



Atwal Eye Care / Buffalo Eye Care Associates is a complete eye care provider offering a full range of eye care services, including routine eye exams, along with medical/ surgical eye care. In order to make your appointment a one-stop visit, we also offer a large selection of eyeglasses and contact lenses. We specialize in Laser Vision Correction, CK, Small Incision Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma Treatment and Surgery and other Laser Surgery.

Dr. Amar Atwal is the Medical Director and Founder of Atwal Eye Care / Buffalo Eye Care Associates. Dr. Atwal specializes in Laser Vision

Correction, a procedure for patients with Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness) or Astigmatism to reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contacts. This procedure utilizes the Excimer Laser to gently reshape the cornea. The latest Laser Vision Correction procedures are called LASIK and PRK.

As a complete eye care provider, Atwal Eye Care / Buffalo Eye Care Associates also offers a large selection of glasses and contacts at our various offices. Our licensed Opticians will help you in the selection of the frame and style just right for you.

We participate with most major insurance carriers, including Medicare, Independent Health, Community Blue, Blue Cross, Senior Blue, Univera and many others.

We would like to have the opportunity to welcome you to our office and have the privilege of serving you. We believe that YOU the patient are the most important part of our practice and that you are the focus of our attention while you are here for your examination. Our goal is to make your visit with us as pleasant as possible, whether it is for a routine eye exam for glasses or contacts, for a medical condition or for a surgical procedure.

For more information call us at 896-8831. For more information on LASER VISION CORRECTION, CALL 892-2020