Brooks Hosts Hoosier Roundtable on Ebola Preparedness

Congresswoman Susan W. Brooks (R-IN5) and newly appointed Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., joined Hoosier state, local and medical leaders today for a roundtable discussion on Indiana’s preparedness for the Ebola virus. The 90 minute session gave attendees the opportunity to discuss precautions and procedures already in place and provide their input on the federal response and how federal government agencies can be most helpful to them as they train and prepare.

“Today’s gathering provided a vital opportunity for key stakeholders to discuss coordinated efforts to protect Hoosiers from this serious public health threat,” Brooks said. “If Indiana is confronted with a case of Ebola, it’s important for federal, state, local and medical officials to be on the same page and ready to respond with a cohesive plan of action. As a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, I also wanted to provide Hoosier leaders an opportunity to share their thoughts on the guidance and assistance being provided by federal agencies.”

“The State Health Department, along with federal and local officials, has been working around the clock to ensure that Indiana is prepared to effectively respond to a case of Ebola in Indiana, should we have one,” said Indiana State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D. “As we demonstrated with the first North American case of MERS-CoV earlier this year, Indiana has excellent public health infrastructure and communication channels in place to effectively treat and contain emerging diseases, including Ebola.”

Last week, Congresswoman Brooks called upon the CDC to add individuals exposed to the Ebola virus to the Do Not Board list administered by the TSA. To see her letter to CDC Director Tom Frieden, click here.

She also joined several House Committee on Homeland Security colleagues in requesting the temporary suspension of visas of individuals from high risk countries until the outbreak is under control within these countries. To read the full text of this letter to Secretary of State John Kerry and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, click here.