ODH gets $10 million for flu preparedness

The Ohio Department of Health announced yesterday that the state has been given $9.8 million in federal funds to increase preparedness for swine flu outbreaks (Source: “Ohio to receive $9.8M to prepare for swine flu,” Toledo Blade, July 13, 2009).
 
The funding is Ohio’s share of a $260 million national program to help states and communities provide for continued planning and preparations for H1N1 flu. Between 2005 and 2008, Ohio received $17.4 million for pandemic flu planning efforts.

A free H1N1 vaccine is expected to be provided to states in the fall by the federal government. The $9.8 million will not be used for that purpose.