Hey there! I hope everyone is enjoying this warmer weather. The official start of summer is just around the corner, but we’ve already experienced higher-than-normal temps that would suggest it’s already here.
As always, we’ve all been busy here at the Center. We’ve completed three Ebola supplemental grants—as well as two base grants, developed a new Local Health Statement of Work (SOW) we trust our partners will find helpful and easier to use, and participated in a handful of exercises, including a statewide medical countermeasures exercise that a lot of you participated in as well. We think it was a success. This week we have a handful of federal officials from three different agencies all converging on CTP for a site visit. It’s always good to work face to face with our federal partners.
But, as I said, it’s a busy time of year!
On another note, we’re pleased—as I’m sure you are, too—to hear the news about Liberia being declared officially “Ebola-free.” I know a lot of hard work, planning and procedures were undertaken to accomplish that feat. And, of course, we remain hopeful that rest of the affected African countries will soon follow suit. A lot of hard work has occurred both overseas and stateside to get to where we are today. And, like all preparedness efforts, we all continue to adapt and respond to new threats like this as they arise.
As you begin to enjoy the pleasant weather and make plans, remember all the time and efforts we’ve all already expended to be where we are today. Don’t forget how far we’ve already come—even though we’ll always have further to go. We hope you take a little time to appreciate that fact while the season changes—and so do the threats—and meanwhile remain vigilant and ready to respond in time of need.
Hope this finds everyone well and in good health and good spirits, and until next time, stay safe out there.