House Republican Press Release

April 8, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. SCRIBNER: BETHEL HEALTH RESPONSE EXERCISE DEMONSTRATES COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS

Hartford—On Saturday, April 5, State Rep. David Scribner, R-Brookfield, Bethel, joined with local health officials and personnel in a Pandemic Flu Response Exercise at the Bethel Health Care Center. Rep. Scribner is a longtime member of the Legislature’s Public Health Committee.

The exercise involved personnel from area health districts, police and fire departments, and medical and non-medical community members and volunteers. The exercise allowed personnel to work together to test capabilities to respond to a large scale emergency, including Pandemic Flu, SARS and Anthrax or other serious health event affecting local residents.

The exercise provided an opportunity for the community to see its public health system at work and volunteers to offer feedback on the experience. A number of volunteers served as patients during the event. In addition, the event provided opportunity for those needing to fulfill community service hour requirements for graduation for high school or participation in organizations such as Key Club or National Honor Society.

“This was a very positive exercise for not only the Bethel Community, but the entire Greater Danbury region,” said Rep. Scribner. “It allowed numerous first-responders and health care personnel to practice their roles in a large scale emergency. The level of organization, coordination, interest, response, participation, volunteerism, and professionalism involved should serve as a significant reassurance to the public throughout our region about the level of preparedness to face such a situation.”