For immediate release
April 15, 2002

Ohio Applies for $34 Million in Federal Funds
to Help Fight Bioterrorism

Funds to be used to increase state and local preparedness for bioterrorism, other public health threats

COLUMBUS - The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) today submitted Ohio's grant applications for more than $34 million in federal funds to be used to help local health departments, hospitals and the state prepare for bioterrorism, infectious disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.

In his letter of support to Tommy Thompson, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Governor Bob Taft wrote "Our grant is the product of tremendous collaboration among 139 local health departments, 11 state agencies and all of Ohio's key health and medical boards, commissions and associations. The grant application is consistent with Ohio's statewide planning for emergency events and is endorsed by the State of Ohio Security Task Force."

"This has truly been a collaborative effort," said Lt. Governor Maureen O'Connor, chair of the state's security task force. "From state and local health professionals, law enforcement and emergency management officials to hospitals, health care providers and community leaders, we have consulted with key players to find the greatest needs and address them accordingly."

The $34 million breaks down to approximately $30.2 million in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and about $4.7 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Both CDC and HRSA are part HHS.

"These federal funds, combined with current efforts, will help hospitals, local health departments and the state be better prepared for any public health emergency, including bioterrorism," said J. Nick Baird, M.D., director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH).

The federal resources will be used to focus on six areas: preparedness and planning, surveillance and epidemiology, biological laboratory capacity, the Health Alert Network, risk communications and education and training.

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Media contact: Ohio Department of Health, Office of Public Affairs: 614-644-8562.