Arlington, VA - The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) has released the draft version of At-Risk Populations and Pandemic Influenza: Planning Guidance for State, Territorial, Tribal, and Local Health Departments for public comment. Under a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ASTHO was asked to develop model guidance on the protection of at-risk populations in an influenza pandemic. Over the past several months, ASTHO performed an extensive review of relevant publications and plans, assembled subject matter expert work groups, and convened public and stakeholder engagement meetings to provide key input during the drafting process.

This important project will result in the publication of a key guidance document to assist public health officials in their pandemic influenza planning efforts.

Input from multiple stakeholders is integral to providing useful guidance. We hope to hear from as many people as possible during this period in order to fully understand what will enhance planning activities for at-risk populations. The comment period will be open through May 15, 2008. Comments may be submitted via email, fax or regular mail (see contact info below). Email is the preferred method for receiving comments. Please note that any information you submit may be made public.

The document can be found under "At-Risk Populations Project" at www.astho.org and at www.cidrap.umn.edu. If you need assistance accessing the document, please contact Caroline Barnhill (information below).

Instructions for Submitting Comments:
Regular mail: ASTHO
2231 Crystal Drive, Suite 450
Arlington, VA 22202
ATTN: Caroline Barnhill - ARPP

Email: arpp@astho.org
Phone: 571-527-3174
Fax: 571-527-3189

For further information, please contact
Caroline Barnhill, Senior Analyst for Infectious Disease
Phone: 571-527-3174
Email: cbarnhill@astho.org