#861
During the first 2-weeks of the Pandemic Flu Leadership Blog many issues have been addressed, but the one that concerns most of the commenter’s has been the lack of public information on pandemic flu, and what is perceived to be inadequate advice to prepare for two weeks isolation in the home.
Eighteen months ago, the HHS put up a website www.pandemicflu.gov where it advised all Americans to become pandemic ready. They advised stockpiling food, water and medicines, and to be prepared for `social disruptions’. Originally, the amount of food to stockpile was left open, but later 2-weeks became the recommendation.
Along the way, other agencies have weighed in, with recommendations of 4, 8, and even 12 weeks of personal stockpiles. Most of this advice has come from State and local health departments. Many in the flu community, after examining the worst case scenarios, have come away believing that the advice to prepare for 8 to 12 weeks is far more prudent than for just 2-weeks.
After two weeks, and hundreds of comments, urging the HHS to increase their recommendations, the HHS responded with a blog by Admiral John O. Agwunobi, MD, Assistant Secretary for Health, for the HHS.
Unfortunately, Admiral Agwuobi didn’t directly respond to the concerns of the posters, he simply reiterated the HHS stand on 2-weeks supplies, and left more than a few visitors to the blog site feeling as if he were talking at them, instead of to them. Many felt patronized and insulted by his response, and the fireworks began.
I’d urge all of my readers to read his blog, and the ensuing comments (including my own) here.
Obviously, Hell hath no fury like flubies scorned.
That the HHS is reluctant to change their recommendations doesn’t surprise me. Doing so isn’t as simple as it sounds. There are ramifications, and there would be a political price to be paid if no pandemic arrives in the near term. It isn’t an easy decision.
Thus far, few Americans have heeded the 2-week advice. Increasing this to 30 or 60 or even 90 days might have an adverse affect, and cause even fewer to prepare. There are, I’m sure, concerns over the economic impact of making such an announcement, and the potential for shortages in the supply chain if the message were taken to heart by many Americans. And for many, 90 days of supplies is simply unobtainable, for financial and logistical reasons.
A call to increase stockpiles to a month, or perhaps three, would also open officials up to extreme criticism. There are many who would view it as fear mongering, or some sort of diversion, to take the people’s minds off the administration's woes. Already, there are many who are convinced that bird flu is simply a plot by (insert your favorite nemesis) to either control us, or empty our pockets.
In many ways, the HHS is in an impossible situation, and is no doubt being pummeled from all sides on this issue. While one would hope this could be viewed solely as a public health and safety issue, there are economic, political, and logistical aspects as well. I don't envy them, and am glad it isn't my call to make.
Regrettably, whether intended or not, the tone of the entry by Admiral Agwunobi was widely perceived to have been condescending and patronizing. Instead of listening, and responding to specific concerns, he gave a generic response.
He made the gravest mistake a blogger can make; he insulted the intelligence of his readers.
With the resources of the Internet, anyone can be well versed in complex subjects. Housewives and Moms, bus drivers and computer programmers, EMT’s and firefighters are able; if they can read for comprehension, to develop a pretty good understanding of the issues. Sometimes as good as the experts.
It isn’t possible to gloss over the issues, and offer vague assurances anymore. Not with a well informed public.
His dismissal of their concerns, including I might add, the concerns held by a number of doctors and scientists, wasn’t well received. Many of those participating in this blog experiment have, after leaving a parting shot, stormed off vowing to boycott the rest of the blog. Others remain, in hopes of getting a more responsive dialog.
Admiral Agwunobi can probably be forgiven if his blog came off in a fashion not intended. Blogging isn’t as easy as it looks, and sometimes what we write doesn’t come off the way we meant. He will hopefully come back, and address specific concerns, and find a better `voice’ with which to do that.
Unfortunately, real damage has been done.
Flubies, several thousand strong, could have been an indispensible ally to the HHS in their attempts to get the nation ready for a pandemic. They are knowledgeable, dedicated, and willing to help their communities. They were hoping for more than a pat on the head.
Hopefully we will see direct responses from officials on the HHS blog addressing specific questions that have been asked. That would go a long ways towards healing the wounds. In fact, it is likely the only cure.
In the meantime, while I respect the decision of those who no longer wish to participate, I hope most people will continue to visit, and comment on the HHS blog.
Rough spots or not, this is a unique and bold venture by the HHS to engage the public. We should use it while we can, for no telling when we will get another opportunity.
