Colorado will receive $1.6 million in federal funds to bolster emergency preparations for a possible flu pandemic.
The funding is part of $350 million allocated by Congress in December to better prepare the United States for a major outbreak of bird flu, which has infected 147 people and killed 78 worldwide.
The Bush administration also has outlined a plan to stockpile vaccines and anti-viral medications, and for expanding early-warning systems.
“Pandemics happen globally, but must be managed at the state and local level, and these funds will help communities throughout Colorado meet that responsibility,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt said.
Federal officials will review Colorado’s plans for stockpiling pandemic flu drugs and tell the state how much of the federal anti-viral stockpile it will get, according to Michelle McGowan, HHS spokeswoman.
Ned Calonge, medical director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, said he expects Colorado will receive enough anti-viral medication to treat 780,000 people.
