County receives bioterrorism money

JOHNSTOWN - Fulton County is scheduled to receive $85,000 in federal bioterrorism money to help the county Public Health Department's response to potential life-threatening emergencies.

A proposed resolution is scheduled to go before the county Board of Supervisors Monday authorizing acceptance of the funds to continue emergency preparedness, training and response to any biological, chemical or radiological emergency.

The money is for August 2008 to August 2009.

Department Director Denise Frederick told the Board of Supervisors' Public Health Committee she has a proposed 2009 capital project to allow the Public Health Department to buy a 25-patient mass casualty kit to be paid for by the grant.

Frederick said she is working with Civil Defense-Fire Coordinator Alan Polmateer to determine what will be needed through emergency medical services regarding the federal funding.

In other action:

The committee supported the awarding of a bid to Brown Bus Service for one of the routes used by the Public Health Department for its Children with Handicapping Conditions Transportation Program. Frederick said the program is for children younger than 5.

One bid was received from Brown Bus Service for $294 per day to transport one child out of the area.

Frederick received permission to attend the annual Public Health Directors/Commissioners' retreat in October at the Rensselaerville Institute Conference Center.

She said the conference will provide her with advance training on emerging public health issues.

Ernest Gagnon, acting administrator of the Fulton County Residential Health Care Facility, requested a transfer of $150,000 to cover overtime costs. He said the amount is estimated overtime through October.

The committee also heard a report on the census at the 176-bed infirmary. Gagnon said occupancy dropped "a little bit" in August.

Michael Anich covers Fulton County and Johnstown. He can be reached at johnstown@leaderherald.com.

Member Comments

View Comments: | 1-3 | Post a comment

teebzz
09-06-08 8:15 PM »Report Abuse	$294 per day to transport one child out of the area?
spiralsands
09-06-08 9:28 AM »Report Abuse	Bioterrorist attack? In Fulton county? Why would the terrorists want to kill the cows and goats? Are we missing their military significance?
salgovernale
09-05-08 8:34 PM »Report Abuse	give me a break

You must first login before you can comment.

Existing Member Login
Not a Member?	Create a Member Account
*Your email address:		<--Email REQUIRED!
*Password:	Forgot Password?	<--Password REQUIRED!
	Remember my email address.