Florida Health Plans joing forces with state, counties on bioterrorism preparedness
Already recognized as one of the leading states in disaster and bioterrorism preparedness, Florida took another step forward when an industry group that has not been well integrated into state and county planning for infectious disease epidemics met with senior officials to begin collaborations.
Tallahassee, FL (PRWEB) January 18, 2004
Already recognized as one of the leading states in disaster and bioterrorism preparedness, Florida took another step forward when an industry group that has not been well integrated into state and county planning for infectious disease epidemics met with senior officials to begin collaborations.
The Florida Association of Health Plans (FAHP) and AstraZeneca brought together chief executive officers, medical directors, and risk managers from health plans across the state to meet with state, regional and county emergency, law enforcement and public health officials including the Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Hospital Association, and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to discuss how FloridaÂ’s health plans can help prepare for epidemics, including those initiated by bioterrorism.
“From work we’d been doing with some of our health plan customers concerning bioterrorism education, we noticed that health plans, despite their integral role in health care, weren’t necessarily tied into formal Florida bioterrorism preparedness activities,” said John Addelman, Regional Sales Director, Managed Care, AstraZeneca. “We took that as a cue to bring key players together as a first step toward better collaboration.”
While AstraZeneca served as a catalyst for the initial meeting, the main driver for forward change will be the Florida Association of Health Plans, whose 14 health plan members serve more than 4.8 million Floridians in 64 counties.
“After the tragic events of September 11, the Anthrax releases in 2001, and SARS, now, more than ever, Florida must be prepared for epidemics,” said Bob Wychulis, President and CEO, Florida Association of Health Plans. “No one knows when serious outbreaks of age-old illnesses or virulent pathogens might occur, so Florida’s health plans want to help our government agencies and health care providers prepare and, if necessary, respond to the best of our abilities.”
To help facilitate a coordinated industry effort, the FAHP has created a Florida Health Plans Bioterrorism Preparedness Committee, consisting of health plan executives and disaster preparedness public officials. Under the guidance of the Committee, FAHP will work with city, regional, state, and national officials, in addition to the American Association of Health Plans, to prepare their health plan members to respond to epidemics, and to coordinate efforts with their existing programs and infrastructure.
FloridaÂ’s health plans have significant resources to bring to the table to ensure epidemic preparedness. Health plans can educate and disseminate information to health care providers, employers and health plan members. They also have clinical staff such as physicians, nurses and mental health counselors, in addition to office space, technology and facilities that could potentially be put into service in the event of a disaster. Many have toll-free member service lines staffed by clinicians that could also provide information and support in the event of an incident.
“While health plans can and will meaningfully contribute to preparedness on an individual basis, the greatest benefit will come from health plans working together on industry-wide initiatives,” said Wychulis. “We’re very excited about the opportunity to help make Florida’s infrastructure stronger and more effective.”
The Florida Association of Health Plans is dedicated to improving the health of FloridaÂ’s citizens by promoting the growth of health plans that provide affordability and health care access to members and business partners. It is comprised of 14 state licensed health maintenance preferred provider organizations that provide health care services to more than 4.8 million Floridians in 64 counties. For more than a decade, the Florida Association of Health Plans has supported quality health care for consumers, the business community, and the State of Florida. FAHP engages in continuous efforts to improve health care by developing cooperative relationships between health plans, providers, government partners, and employer groups. For more information visit www. fahp. net.
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