Gov. Perry Addresses Texas' Flu Season Preparations

*Note - Gov. Perry frequently departs from prepared remarks.

Thank you, Dr. [William] Henrich [President, UTHSC] and thank you for having us here today.

The doctors, nurses, and medical technicians you train here at UTHSC are an essential part of our efforts to build a healthier Texas.

We are here today to update the people of Texas on the state's efforts to track, prevent and treat the spread of the novel H1N1 virus.

If it seems like we just had this conversation four months ago, it's because we did, and it's because this virus shows no signs of going away.

As students all across the state prepare to start the new school year, they will be thrust back into close contact with their peers in an environment that is great for sharing ideas, but one that's also more conducive to spreading germs.

Texans can rest assured that our statewide effort to deal with the H1N1 virus is going strong, and we are more prepared than ever to handle the challenge.

We know more about this virus now, including the understanding that our biggest concern is not the severity of its effects, but the fact that many of us have simply not built up an immunity to it.

The folks up here with me today represent the team taking on this challenge in Texas as we keep close tabs on the virus and take measures to limit its spread.

It's an approach that reflects our state's mindset when it comes to potential threats, whether that's a hurricane or a threat to public health: we frankly assess what's headed our way and take aggressive steps to protect our citizens.

In this case, we have loaded up on anti-viral medications, drawing them from the strategic national stockpile, so they're ready if needed.

I want to take a minute to thank one of our private sector partners for their role in this effort.

Craig Norman, [SVP, Pharmacy] is here representing the good people of HEB who are standing by to help us distribute our anti-viral stockpile if necessary.

One of the strengths of our approach to big challenges like this is the role our private sector partners play.

Rather than state government trying to reinvent the wheel on distribution networks, we rely heavily on companies like HEB and others to handle logistics.

Speaking of anti-virals, I have submitted a letter to the Centers for Disease Control requesting an additional 25% of the Texas allocation of the Strategic National Stockpile to augment the courses we received earlier this year should they be needed.

In addition to anti-virals, we have been aggressively monitoring any reported influenza cases across the state and testing to ensure which are H1N1 and which are not.

We have also worked to improve one of our most effective resources in any challenge like this: the well-informed Texan.

The good people at DSHS have worked hard to get the word out on simple measures to reduce the spread of the virus.

If Texans will take simple steps like washing their hands, exercising care when they cough or sneeze, staying home to recover if they get sick, we can collectively keep this virus at bay.

I have also submitted a request to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano asking that pandemic flu be included in the same disaster category that already includes storms, wildfires and other emergencies.

This approach will allow us to move even more quickly and decisively should our state every need assistance to address this or any future threat to public health.

As we do in these situations that threaten our citizens, we pray for the best and plan for the worst.

You can be sure that Texas has a plan to address any challenges we may face during the upcoming flu season.

Now, to share the perspective from the medical side, I'd like to introduce the director of State Health Services, Dr. David Lakey. David?
[LAKEY SPEAKS]

Thank you, David. Now, I'd like to introduce Commissioner Robert Scott to discuss the steps we're taking in our schools and the process we have in place to deal with potential outbreaks.
[SCOTT SPEAKS]

Finally, I'd like to introduce Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples to discuss additional preparations. Todd?
[STAPLES SPEAKS]

Thank you, Todd.

Now, before we open things up to questions, I invited Jack Colley, director of our Division of Emergency Management, to be here with us today to help answer any questions you may have.

So, with that in mind, we'd be happy to take questions from the working press on the state's readiness to handle the H1N1 challenge.

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