Media Advisory
April 17, 2006

What: Summit: Health and Medical Disaster Response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

When: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., April 18

Where: Doubletree Hotel, 6505 N. I-35, Austin

Who: About 150 federal, state and local government officials and representatives of volunteer organizations, business and industry, EMS, health care providers, local health departments, community based organizations

Sponsored by: Texas Department of State Health Services

Why: Discuss strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for disaster preparedness in the health and medical areas

Opening sessions: overview of health and medical disaster activities and presentation of findings from an after-action report on the health and medical responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita

Breakout sessions: participants propose ways to improve medical and other health-related responses before, during and after hurricanes and other disasters

Speakers: Eduardo Sanchez , M.D., Commissioner, Texas Department of State Health Services

Charles Bell , M.D., Deputy Executive Commissioner for Health Services, Texas Health and Human Services Commission

John Litaker , Ph.D., Managing Director, The Litaker Group

Contact: Doug McBride, DSHS Press Officer, 512-458-7524
Emily Palmer, DSHS Assistant Press Officer, 512-458-7400