Pandemic Flu Exercise
June 23, 2008

Word Document Format

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS
NEWS RELEASE
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:  Linda K. Reynolds, PAO
J.L. Pepe Mendoza, Assistant PA Officer   (520) 792-1450 Extension 1819

For Immediate Release

June 23, 2008

THIS IS AN EXERCISE MESSAGE
(NOT AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY)

Tucson, AZ - The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System will be participating in a national Department of Veterans Affairs Pandemic Influenza Exercise.  This exercise is designated to provide VA medical centers with an opportunity nationally to assess their individual readiness for an influenza pandemic outbreak.  A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity and for which there is not vaccine.

"We have a responsibility to plan a wide variety of natural and man-made disasters, said SAVAHCS spokesperson, Pepe' Mendoza.  "This exercise will allow us to see if our plans are realistic and effective," he stated.  He added, "Just a special note; appointments and other medical services will continue to be available to patients during the exercise time period."   

As part of the exercise, the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System will be participating with Veterans Administration, Veterans Health Administration, and other parts of VA and in some cases, other agencies from June 23 through June 27, 2008. 

Each day will correspond with different points in a pandemic wave, starting with Day One equaling 2 weeks after pandemic flu was reported in the U.S.  A list of "focus areas" has been established, based primarily on the exercise goals and objectives for SAVAHCS.

This interagency exercise will focus specifically on the initial field level response to a Pandemic Influenza outbreak.  It will be conducted in a no-faul, no inspection, learning environment as a valuable training tool for response personnel.

For media information related to the exercise contact Pepe' Mendoza, Public Information Officer at (520) 629-1819.