Pandemic Response Committee

Influenza pandemics have, in the past, caught the world by surprise. Today we have been given a clear warning, enabling nations around the world to better prepare for the next pandemic.

Although no one can predict with any certainty when a pandemic will occur, the H5N1 (Avian flu) virus demonstrates considerable pandemic potential.

For this reason, the LaPorte County Pandemic Response Committee was formed. The Committee is a partnership of agencies from both the public and private sector whose mission is to develop response plans to protect our community in the event of a pandemic. Some of the activities of the committee include:

• monitoring the evolving situation
• enhancing communication among agencies
• assessing the potential medical needs of the community
• addressing any identified gaps before a pandemic unfolds
• education of the public and professional groups

Once efficient human to human transmission begins, there will be little time to prepare.

Now is the time to raise awareness and knowledge of pandemic influenza. Past emergencies have taught all of us that timely and accurate information is essential to gain the cooperation of the public. Communication messages on how families can protect themselves and some of the public health measures under consideration to minimize the impact of a pandemic will be crucial in obtaining the public’s cooperation.

We appreciate your interest in our endeavors, and thank you in advance for assisting us in keeping the citizens of LaPorte County informed.

LaPorte County Pandemic Response Committee
LaPorte County Health Department
809 State Street, Suite 401 A LaPorte, IN 46350
219/326-6808 x 2200

Are You Ready?

• Guide for Individuals and Families
• Pandemic Planning Update
• Business Planning Checklist
• Community Organizations Checklist
• Schools Checklist
• Indiana Pandemic Plan
• Indiana Summit Q&A
• HHS Pandemic Plan
• Handbook for Journalists

Committee Contact List

Ken Johnston Public Health Coordinator LaPorte County Health Department 219-326-6808 Ext. 2504 kjohnston@laportecounty.org Norm Kleist LaPorte County Schools Superintendent 809 State Street, Suite 402A, LaPorte 326-6808, ext 2277 nkleist@niesc.k12.in.us Pat Pease Emergency Medical Services 809 State Street, Suite 301A 326-6808, ext 2296 ppease@laportecounty.org Jennifer Payne LaPorte County Emergency Management 326-6808, ext. 2469 jpayne@laportecounty.org Major Gary Broling LaPorte County Sheriff Department 809 State Street, LaPorte, IN 219/326-7700 or 219/879-3530 or 800/548-5374 Extension 2335 sheriff@lcso.in.gov Joanne Hardacker Nursing Supervisor LaPorte County Health Dept. 809 State Street, Suite 401A 326-6808, ext 0430 jhardacker@laportecounty.org Kevin Thompkins Indiana State Department of Health Public Information Officer Cell: 317/508-6497 Office: 765/742-6414 Pager: 317/905-1585

Andy Snyder, Chief La Porte Fire Department 809 West 18th St. La Porte IN, 46350 219-362-3456 Andrea Falbo Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce 200 E. Michigan Blvd. Michigan City, IN 46360 afalbo@mcachamber.com Bobbi Petru American Red Cross 113 Warren Road Michigan City 219/874-4247 Chief Ben Neitzel Michigan City Police Department 219/874-3221 Rachel Moody VP Patient Services & Director of Nursing LaPorte Hospital 219/326-2505 r.moody@lph.org Chief David Gariepy LaPorte Police Department 219/362-9446 Marlena Lagina-Kleine VP Business Development and Marketing Saint Anthony Memorial 301 W Homer Street Michigan City Indiana 46360 Phone 219-877-1919 Fax 219-877-1079.

Response Group

Michigan City Mayor
LaPorte Mayor
LaPorte County Health Department
LaPorte County Sheriff Department
Michigan City Police Department
LaPorte Police Department
Michigan City Fire Department
LaPorte Fire Department
Michigan City Emergency Management
LaPorte County Emergency Management/Homeland Security
LaPorte County Emergency Medical Services
St. Anthony Memorial
LaPorte Hospital
LaPorte County Chapter American Red Cross
LaPorte County Healthy Communities
LaPorte County Commissioners
LaPorte County Council
Michigan City Area Schools
LaPorte County Schools
Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce
Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce