OMSI Science Pub January 28, 2008

Science Pub is an informal get-together where you can interact with experts and where there's no such thing as a silly question. No scientific background is required - just curiosity, a sense of humor, and an appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge. We meet once a month. Topics are focused on advances in science and technology that directly affect our lives, and the experts are leading researchers and scientists in the field. Don't expect a speaker behind the podium! It's relaxed, interactive, and fun.
Topic: Pandemic Pandemonium: How Will We Survive a Public Health Emergency?

A public health emergency, such as an influenza pandemic, could be incredibly disruptive to the community. Health care could be in short supply and hospitals could be quickly overwhelmed. An effective response will likely require unconventional prevention methods, initiated even before illness is evident in the community. How are local public health agencies planning for such events? Who are the stakeholders informing this planning process? What information is available to individuals, businesses, community-based organizations and others regarding this planning?

Dr. Gary Oxman has served as health officer for the Multnomah County Health Department in Portland since 1987 and has been the health officer for Washington and Clackamas counties from early 2007. From 1984 through 1987, he was medical director for Multnomah County Health Department

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