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For Release Wednesday,
6th
January, 2002 |
CONTACT: Rob Hayes |
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PHONE:
850-245-4111 |
TALLAHASSEE—The state’s top health official, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary John O. Agwunobi, M.D., M.B.A., predicts healthy living for all Floridians as a result of continued support for DOH programs in the Governor’s supplemental budget.
“Governor Bush’s supplemental budget recommendations support several health-related issues and will enable us to continue to strive toward our mission of protecting the health and safety of all Floridians,” said Agwunobi. “Whether it’s providing medical treatment, recruiting nurses, distributing vaccines and drugs, or responding to bioterrorism, Governor Bush’s supplemental budget will enable DOH to fulfill the needs of its programs.”
The Governor’s recommendations for fiscal year 2002-2003 include:
- Expanded Health Coverage for Pregnant
Women:
By moving coverage from Medicaid to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, the money will be saved and more pregnant women will be covered. Through the President’s new federal program, coverage for pregnant women can be expanded up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which would mean that an additional 5,627 women could be provided comprehensive health services.
- Hospital Recruitment and Retention Matching Grants: $1 million
Florida, like the rest of the country, is experiencing a nursing shortage. This request will fund a hospital matching grant program for the retention and recruitment of nurses.
- Hospital Assistance: $8 million
In order to implement Domestic Security initiatives, the Governor recommends that $8 million from a federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services go toward preparing hospital systems for the possibility of a large number of casualties following a disaster.
- Handbook for Family Preparedness: $500,000
This handbook, prepared by the Florida Medical Association, is aimed at every Florida family to address, in detail, preparedness for different possible terrorist threats. It will also include description and instructions regarding these possible threats.
- Florida Public Health Foundation: $129,000
The objective of the Public Health Foundation is to operate exclusively for the scientific, educational and charitable purposes for the betterment of public health in Florida.
- Disease Investigation Training – Special Population: $146,064
Enhanced training and expanded responsibilities are needed to respond to any community affected by a bioterrorism threat. This will help Disease Investigation Specialists respond to difficult-to-reach populations. Specialists will be able to rapidly locate affected individuals and deliver uniquely tailored messages related to the specific incident.
- Miami Public Health Lab: $675,000
Since September 11, the Miami Lab’s workload increased by over 5,000 specimens. Additional space and better facilities and equipment are needed to handle the increased demand for services due to a new focus on bioterrorism.
The Governor’s supplemental budget will effectively use state funding in the most beneficial manner for the Department of Health and help ensure quality health care for the coming year. The Department of Health is pleased with the commitment of Governor Bush and the Legislature in supporting programs that back the department’s mission of promoting and protecting the health and safety of all Floridians.
To set up an interview with Secretary Agwunobi, please call 850-245-4111.
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