MEDIA ADVISORY

For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 18, 2002

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Citizens' Council on Health Care

1954 University Ave. W., Suite 8

St. Paul, MN 55104

CONTACT:Twila Brase, R.N., President

PHONE: 651-646-8935

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TODAY'S PUBLIC MEETING APPEARS TO BE CLOSED

The Minnesota Department of Health is holding a "Working Conference on Public Health Emergency Powers" today, Thursday, July 18, 2002.

LOCATION: Earle Brown Continuing Education Center, 1890 Buford Ave., St. Paul Campus

CONCERN: Although the new Minnesota Emergency Health Powers Act (Chapter 402) specifically says that "All meetings with these representatives must be open to the public and adequate notice of the meetings must be provided to the public," the Health Department has required registration and is taking no registration at the event.

MDH NOTICE :

Working Conference on Public Health Emergency Powers

A meeting sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health

When: Thursday, July 18, 2002, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (lunch provided)

Where: Earle Brown Continuing Education Center, St. Paul

What: Join others in a discussion of emergency powers for protecting the public's health

The 2002 Minnesota Legislature passed a bill requiring the commissioner of health to study emergency health powers issues and report back to the Legislature by January 15, 2003 (Chapter 402, Section 20). Many people and organizations have interests, concerns, and responsibility for responding to a public health emergency. This gathering is intended to identify critical issues and specific concerns around areas such as:

The control of medical supplies and facilities.

Limitations on public gatherings and transportation. Requirements for medical examinations and testing. Vaccination and treatment. Isolation and quarantine. Enforcement methods. Who should come? Representatives of groups with concern for citizens in a public health emergency, or with responsibility for responding to a public health emergency, including local and tribal government officials, emergency managers, public health leaders, health care provider organizations, emergency medical services, legal advocates, citizen interest groups, state agencies, and others. The meeting is open to the public and there is no charge to attend.

Registration is required. The deadline to register is July 15. Registration will not be accepted at the door.

To register, please call 651-215-5805 or e-mail Yvette.Young@health.state.mn.us. Include your e-mail address or mailing address in your response to receive directions and additional information about the meeting.

Please register early, as space is limited!

If you need accommodation for a disability, please call or e-mail Yvette Young at Yvette.Young@health.state.mn.us or call 651-215-5805.

Citizens' Council on Health Care will be attending the working conference.

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CCHC is an independent non-profit free-market health care policy

organization located in St. Paul, Minnesota

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A free-market resource for designing the future of health care

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Citizens' Council on Health Care

1954 University Ave.W., Suite 8

St. Paul, MN 55104

651-646-8935 phone

651-646-0100 fax

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Thank you.