H1N1 Executive Summary and Issue

H1N1 Executive Summary and Issue Statement Tennessee had multiple reported cases within less than one month of the virus reaching the United States. In order to mitigate the spread of the disease, Tennessee formed a network of politicians and experts to coordinate and advise all sectors of the state and ensure timely organization and distribution of medicines and vaccines.

In order for the panel's goals to be met, the state had to usurp much of the power that was given to local governments and in doing so ensure united policies and strategies to stop the spread of the virus. While Tennessee's overall results far exceeded the national results in both vaccine distribution and disease prevention, there are still many measures that must be improved before the next outbreak. A successful response to future influenza outbreaks requires increased devolution of power to states, localities, and businesses.

During the 2009 H1N1 outbreak, there were six actors selected to aid in mitigating the spread of the disease: the state of Tennessee, the World Health Organization, the United States Federal Government, local health departments, non-government organizations including private businesses, and organizations in charge of at-risk populations. These organizations came together and formed two successful strategies that mitigated the outbreak in Tennessee: the for-profit drug distribution program and the preparedness coordination with the Tennessee Hospital Association.

Additionally, the state's response revealed the dangers of depending upon foreign nations for vaccine purchases. Once this issue was overcome and vaccines were made available, the state had already prepared the proper lines of communication and distribution allowing higher vaccine rates than the rest of the country. Issue Statement Taskforce Purpose and Charge When the 2009 H1N1 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the state of Tennessee formed a taskforce to combat and prepare for the oncoming spread of the virus.

The Governor's Taskforce on Disaster Preparedness for Pandemics was tasked with thinking ahead to the next event and making recommendations to the Governor on how to prepare for and manage the next pandemic threat to the great state of Tennessee. The first goal appointed to the taskforce was to work with other members for the Public Affairs community. This goal was accomplished through clear and detailed public speeches where questions were answered freely and information was readily given.

At the start of the next school year, however, the public's trust of the taskforce begins to dissipate as two school are shut down in response to a positive tested case of H1N1 at the locations. In this instance, regardless of the public announcement that the state was following World Health Organization protocol, the public was furious. Public distrust continued when the new vaccine arrived, as the media had implied in previous reports that the vaccine was "rushed" through production.

The public fears and responses that happened could have been mitigated through more scheduled town hall public meetings, where citizens are free to vent all concerns. The second tasks assigned was that of benchmarking with other states on their methods and processes in handling the outbreak and utilizing those best practices in Tennessee. For this assignment Tennessee focused their communications and research on the state of Texas.

Texas was at the front lines of the outbreak and had implemented a successful program to distribute anti-viral medications through a partnership with private pharmacies. This strategy was immediately adopted and adapted to Tennessee's individual situation. The final requirement of the taskforce was to ensure that the state was in compliance with the U.S. National Strategy for Pandemics. While Tennessee as a state focused on mitigating the spread of the disease through avoiding social exposure, the United States had other goals and expectations as to how to prevent.