Health

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National Health Care Reform

The national health care legislation has generated many calls to the district 4 office. The legislation is complex and many are concerned about the long term impacts on individuals and businesses. This morning I received an excellent overview which is a side-by-side comparison of the Senate and House bills and the Congressional Leadership Reconciliation Bill. Currently, the Alaska Legislature is considering HJR 35, proposing amendments to the Constitution of the State of Alaska prohibiting passage of laws that interfere with direct payments for health care services and the right to purchase health care insurance from a privately owned company. HJR 35 is currently in the House Finance committee.

Health Reform Side by Side.pdf (266.70 kb)

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Juneau VA Outreach Clinic

The Alaska VA Healthcare System announced construction will start for a new Juneau VA Outreach Clinic. The new clinic will provide Southeast Alaska veterans with routine primary care and mental health services. SBH Services, Inc, an Alaskan civil and commercial construction company, has been contracted to complete the work during the summer of 2010. The clinic will be located on the first floor of the Juneau Federal Building.

This is a very positive step forward in providing services for our veterans. I applaud the diligence of the VA and look forward to the opening of the new clinic.

See link for press release from the Department of Veterans Affairs: Update Juneau VA Outreach Clinic Mar 2010.doc (26.00 kb)

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Confirmed case of Swine Flu in Alaska

According to the state Department of Health and Social Services a woman from Fairbanks is the first person in Alaska confirmed to have contracted the H1N1 virus.

The woman first showed flu symptoms about two weeks ago and has been contacted by state epidemiologists who are investigating how she contracted the virus. They are hoping to identify how she may have come in contact with the virus.

Be sure to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and family:

     - Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

     - Wash hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

     - Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

     - Try to avoid contact with sick people.

     - Stay home for 7 days after symptoms begin or until you have been symptom-free for 24 hours to keep from spreading the virus to others.

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Swine Flu

The Local Emergency Planning Committee met on Monday, May 4 to review the recent developments of the Swine Flu and discussed options should this strain of H1N1 flu come to our community. Associates from the Department of Transportation, Division of Public health, and members of the school district were also in attendance. DOT officials talked about an action plan with possible quarantine options in the event of an outbreak or exposure in Juneau. It is my understanding the cruise lines are taking the same precautions and developing a similar plan of action.

The school district laid out a four stage action plan:

• Stage 1: No-confirmed cases – continue to wash hands & keep school areas clean
• Stage 2: Confirmed case in Community – an evaluation by the Board would be done and possible closure of school events 
• Stage 3: Outbreak in School – Superintendent has the ability to close the infected school immediately
• Stage 4: Flu throughout the community – Close all schools upon decision of the Superintendent

At this time there are no reported cases of the Swine Flu in Alaska. It is important to keep the communication open between health officials and members of the community. I applaud the efforts taken by the local planning committee. For more information on the Swine Flu visit the Center of Disease Control website.