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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2007
Contact: Sarah Krauss
(212) 669-4193; (917) 541-0936
Release #: 061-2007
Public Advocate Gotbaum Calls for Legal Agreement to Deliver Avian Flu Medication
- Agreement should require local storage medication, timeline for delivery, and precise replacement schedule -
Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum today called for an immediate legal agreement between the city and state to ensure that the state delivers the nearly 850,000 doses of antiviral medication it holds on the city’s behalf in the event of an outbreak. Gotbaum urged City and State Health Commissioners Frieden and Daines to develop the agreement after correspondence revealed that New York City does not currently have a local stockpile of Avian Flu antiviral medication and operates under the assumption that state and federal agencies will deliver doses in case of an emergency. This agreement should require storage of the medication within New York City, a clear timeline for delivery, and a precise replacement schedule for restocking expired doses.
A full transcript of the letter is below:
Commissioner Richard Daines
New York State Department of Health
Corning Tower
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237
Commissioner Thomas Frieden
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
125 Worth Street
New York, NY 10013
Commissioner Joseph F. Bruno
New York City Office of Emergency Management
11 Water Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
By Fax and U.S. Mail
Dear Commissioners:
Having reviewed the response of Commissioners Frieden and Bruno to my letter of July 18th, 2007, regarding New York City’s preparations for the possibility of a pandemic influenza outbreak, I am calling for an immediate legal agreement between the city and state to ensure that the state delivers the nearly 850,000 doses of antiviral medication it holds on the city’s behalf to the city prior to an outbreak. This agreement should require storage of the medication within New York City, a clear timeline for delivery, and a precise replacement schedule for restocking expired doses.
Despite the fact that New York City is the state’s largest population center and most important point of entry, the city does not currently have a local stockpile of antiviral medication and operates under the assumption that state and federal agencies will deliver doses in case of an emergency. While I agree with the city’s decision to allow the state to purchase medication on its behalf, I believe that the protection of city residents requires more concrete measures than a non-binding verbal agreement. According to the NYC DOHMH’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Plan, “currently available antiviral drugs are most effective when used within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms consistent with influenza infection. Therefore, stockpiled antiviral drugs will be used only in individuals who have had symptoms for less than 48 hours.” This time sensitivity is reason in itself to store medication intended for the city within the city.
I look forward to your written response. If you have any questions, please contact me at 212-669-4102.
Sincerely,
Betsy Gotbaum
Cc: Alan Aviles, President of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation
Kenneth Raske, President and CEO, Greater New York Hospital Association
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