16 Nov 2009
Public Hearing on Swine Flu Preparedness on College Campuses
Hamilton Hearing Room B
12:00 PM to 03:00 PM Archived Video
In April 2009, the United States government declared a public health emergency following outbreaks of H1N1 Influenza A, also known as the “Swine Flu.” Since then, the 2009 H1N1 influenza has been escalated to Phase 6 worldwide pandemic alert level. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that many of the confirmed cases of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza have been in healthy young adults aged 19 to 24. This demographic often lives, works, studies, and socializes in close proximity, is frequently mobile, and is among those demographics recommended to receive the vaccine when it becomes available. Young adults are the chief demographic for many of the state’s institutions of higher education. This hearing will examine the preparedness of New York State colleges to handle H1N1 influenza outbreaks, appraise their plans for dissemination of the vaccine, discuss actions taken to manage current outbreaks, and determine the current level of risk.
The Standing Committee on Higher Education encourages the submission of written testimony; it will be considered by the Standing Committee and will be made part of the record. Written testimony may be e-mailed as an attachment in any common format to the committee at: crawford@senate.state.ny.us.
Witness panels are asked to keep oral testimony to no more than 15 minutes in length. The Committee requests that the panelists summarize their report and do not read their full testimony. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Standing Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times. This request should be made to Jacob Crawford of the Higher Education Committee staff as soon as possible. If you are testifying, please submit 20 copies of any prepared statement. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.
In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the New York State Senate has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. Accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Senate facilities and activities.
Questions about this hearing may be directed to Jacob Crawford (Crawford@senate.state.ny.us) or Brandy Murphy (BRMurphy@senate.state.ny.us), at 518-455-3461.
