"Hand Washing, Not Hand-Wringing: Preparing for H1N1" is the subject of a panel discussion hosted by TOWN HALL Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy in downtown Los Angeles.
The panel of experts will address how Los Angeles schools, businesses and emergency services are preparing for an outbreak. Panelists include: Robert Kim-Farley, MD, MPH, Director, Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Los Angeles County Public Health; Ronald C. Mason, CEBS, Principal, Towers Perrin - Irvine; Connie Moore, RN, BSN, MA, Director - District Nursing Services, Los Angeles Unified School District; Jeanne S. Ringel, PhD, Senior Economist, RAND Corporation; and Dr. Stanley Shapiro, Co-Chair, Regional Flu Task Force, Kaiser Permanente Southern California, Infectious Diseases Physician, Hospital Epidemiologist, Kaiser Permanente Panorama City Medical Center. The panel moderator is KNBC-TV Reporter Conan Nolan.
The global outbreak of swine flu has led the World Health Organization to upgrade the flu's status to a pandemic making it the first official flu pandemic in more than 40 years. The virus first appeared last April in Mexico. The US Health experts warn that misuse of antiviral medications could make way for drug-resistant strains, thereby creating a more difficult pandemic fight. Some Tamiflu-resistant H1N1 cases have been reported recently. Trials for the H1N1 vaccine are underway and expected to be available in October.
Throughout its history, TOWN HALL has hosted numerous speakers and panel discussions on the topic of health care including George Abercrombie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hoffman-La Roche Inc.; Dr. William R. Brody, President, Johns Hopkins University; and Dr. Nora D. Volkow, Director, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH.
One the Top 10 Forums in the nation, TOWN HALL Los Angeles is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization, supported by Angelenos, foundations and corporations who believe in open public discussion. We advocate for no side, represent no particular ideology and stand solidly in support of free speech, civility and a belief that knowledge is a priceless commodity. To learn more visit www.townhall-la.org.
All accredited members of the media are invited to cover this event.
**Please credit TOWN HALL Los Angeles in your coverage.
When: Wednesday, September 23, 2009 8:00 AM Breakfast Program Where: National Center for the Preservation of Democracy 111 North Central Avenue Los Angeles CA 90012
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