House Committee Holds Hearing on Ebola Preparedness, Says Farry
HARRISBURG –The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee (VAEP) this week heard from state health and emergency management officials at a public hearing held to inform the committee and the public about the Commonwealth’s readiness in the face of the Ebola threat, said Rep. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), who serves as chairman of the VAEP Sub-Committee on Security and Emergency Response Readiness.
“Although the risk for Ebola exposure in Pennsylvania is extremely low, we want to make sure we have identified all the precautions necessary to ensure the well-being of our residents,” said Farry. “Protecting the health and safety of everyone who lives, works and visits the Commonwealth is our No. 1 priority.”
Testifiers included Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Michael Wolf; Pennsylvania Physician General Carrie DeLone; Glenn Cannon, director, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA); Mark Ross, regional emergency preparedness manager, Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania; Heather Sharar, executive director, Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania; Ed Moreland, executive director, Western Berks Emergency Medical Services; and Betsy Snook, chief executive officer, Pennsylvania Nurses Association.
Wolf, DeLone and Cannon provided testimony on the nature of Ebola and how it is transmitted, as well as what is being done at the federal, state and local level to prevent the spread.
In addition, health and emergency service providers told the committee they are addressing the equipment and training needs of emergency responders who are on the frontline in the state’s quest to prevent an outbreak of Ebola, and to control it if it happens.
“After listening to the testifiers, I am confident the proper protocols will be taken to ensure a rapid and aggressive response to a potential occurrence within our borders,” said Farry.
To watch video of the VAEP hearing, visit
RepFarry.com.
Representative Frank Farry
142nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abbey Haslam
717.260.6222
ahaslam@pahousegop.com
RepFarry.com