Partnerships Increase Effectiveness of Hurricane Frances Health-Related Relief Efforts

TALLAHASSEE- As Hurricane Frances passed over Florida, over 150 public health workers from several southeastern states – including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia – began preparations to assist the more than 250 Florida public health workers sheltering thousands of Florida citizens evacuated from their homes.

“I am humbled by the outpouring of support our communities have received from neighboring states,” said Secretary of Health John O. Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., M.P.H. “Together, with our local public health teams, these individuals have worked tirelessly to meet the needs of the health and safety of Florida’s impacted communities.”

Today, the southeastern states continue to partner with local officials and public health workers to ensure that health hazards are minimized as families return to their homes. Relief teams of Public Health physicians, nurses, nursing assistants and epidemiologists will continue their efforts in the coming weeks. These partnerships have successfully staffed Disaster Medical Assistance teams and state public health nursing teams, which contributed greatly to the success of Florida’s recent hurricane relief efforts. These experienced teams will help in serving the communities health needs in the wake of Hurricane Ivan.