Hospitals and laboratories get $1.36 from feds.Health and Human Services Noun 1. Health and Human Services - the United States federal department that administers all federal programs dealing with health and welfare; created in 1979Department of Health and Human Services, HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt recently announced a second influx of $1.3 billion to help state and local hospitals respond to mass casualty terrorism and other medical crises. "Our ability to respond effectively to public health emergencies is an important part of securing our homeland," Leavitt said. Last year, HHS HHS Department of Health and Human Services. provided an equal amount to the states, territories and four major metropolitan areas to bolster preparedness. The second allotment will be spread to even more cities to upgrade their infectious disease Infectious disease A pathological condition spread among biological species. Infectious diseases, although varied in their effects, are always associated with viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, multicellular parasites and aberrant proteins known as prions. surveillance, enhance the readiness of hospitals to deal with large numbers of casualties, expand public health laboratory capabilities and improve disease reporting between hospitals and local health departments. The HHS' Centers for Disease Control (CDC See Control Data, century date change and Back Orifice. CDC - Control Data Corporation ) and Prevention and Health Resources and Services Administration The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is an agency within the United States Department of Health and Human Services whose goal is to improve access to health care for those without insurance. will be distributing the money. HHS also is providing $471 million for states specifically to develop surge capacity to deal with mass casualty events. This includes the expansion of hospital beds, development of isolation capacity, hiring health care personnel, establishing hospital-based pharmaceutical caches and providing mental health services health services Managed care The benefits covered under a health contract . Funds can be used for trauma and burn care, communications equipment and personal protective gear. HHS will provide resources for the early warning infectious disease surveillance program within the CDC that is specifically aimed at states bordering Canada and Mexico. The CDC also may increase the number of state laboratories with certified "Level One" capability for testing chemical agents. Currently, there are only CDC-certified laboratories to assist with chemical testing in California, Michigan, New Mexico, New York and Virginia. Chemical samples are able to reach a laboratory for analysis within eight hours. Up to five more may be selected for this program. Another CDC effort, the Cities Readiness Initiative, will continue in the 21 pilot cities, boosted by a $10 million increase. In addition, 15 other metropolitan areas will enter the CRI CRI constant-rate infusion. program. |
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