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Jul 23, 2008 - 10:40 PM  
CDC Chatter  
 
           

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How prepared is CDC for a health or disaster related emergency?

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Welcome to CDCChatter.net, an unofficial blog for employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), external partners and others who are interested in CDC. This blog was established for CDC employees and others to post information, express opinions, make comments and otherwise communicate about decisions, changes, events and other issues that are occurring at CDC. This blog is intended to provide a forum for people to express their views. It is not intended as a forum for disclosing classified or confidential information nor is it intended in any way to compromise the mission and efficacy of CDC.

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Most Recently Submitted News

EARLY OUT AND BUYOUT ANNOUNCED FOR CDC, OD?

Posted by: Anonymous on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 - 05:55 PM 475 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
The following email was sent to CDC All Hands yesterday from AHRC. Why does this only apply to the OD? This sound like a payoff for all the Dr. G loyalists before they leave or are removed with her departure in the coming months. Maybe it is designed to keep them from testifying or writing tell-all books about 7 years of chaos and corruption?

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As part of CDC’s Strategic Management of Human Capital Plan, CDC leadership is committed to providing strategic leadership direction, guidance, and services as efficiently as possible. To help achieve this goal, CDC has been authorized Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) and Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP), known as ”early out and buyout”, for up to 106 employees in the Office of the Director (OD) so that resulting vacancies can be realigned most effectively in accomplishing CDC’s mission.



Inspector General in PGO

Posted by: Anonymous on Monday, July 21, 2008 - 08:30 PM 447 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
Does anybody know why the IG has come down to PGO?



HHS moves to define birth control as abortion

Posted by: Anonymous on Thursday, July 17, 2008 - 07:11 PM 601 Reads
Other Issues
The Department of Health and Human Services Monday released a proposal that allows any federal grant recipient to obstruct a woman's access to contraception. In order to do this, the Department is attempting to redefine many forms of contraception, the birth control 40% of Americans use, as abortion.





Citgo Doesn't Go!

Posted by: Anonymous on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 06:28 PM 960 Reads
Other Issues
Please! Can something be done about Citgo?



Great Tomato Scare of 2008

Posted by: Anonymous on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 12:54 PM 551 Reads
Other Issues
Has anyone noticed that despite all the laboratory and media attention the number of reported cases of salmonellosis in the United States this year is lower this year than in 2007 at the same time?




The continuing saga of labs and power at CDC

Posted by: Anonymous on Sunday, July 13, 2008 - 09:39 AM 1158 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
New article in the AJC furhter discusses the power outages and back up generators: Outage at CDC lab adds to concerns
From July 23, CDC leaders aren't letting on re the results of the test. CDC simulates lab blackout

So first on Saturday morning this email goes out to all CDC staff:
On Friday, July 11th, at approximately 5:43 p.m., portions of the Roybal Campus experienced a power outage when a Georgia Power Company transformer serving the campus failed. Buildings 1M, 1E, 3, 17, and 20 were without power for approximately 75 minutes, until normal power was restored at about 7:00 p.m. CDC is investigating the incident and will take additional corrective action measures over the next few days. Meanwhile, Georgia Power has confirmed that other non-related power outages were occurring in the Clifton Corridor at the same time, and that our incident was not related.

Because the outage occurred after the normal work day had ended, the buildings were sparsely occupied. When power did not immediately return, all persons working in the affected laboratory buildings safely exited without incident. There were no reported worker exposures or other risks to CDC personnel in the area during the outage, and no biosafety or containment issues were reported as a result of the incident. Security, health, and safety officials and additional facilities engineering staff were quickly on the scene to confirm that the facilities were safe and secure and remained on scene until normal operations were fully restored.

We will provide additional information as necessary.

William H. Gimson, M.B.A.
Chief Operating Officer

Conspicuously absent is any mention of labs and back up generators. Thanks to Alison we know the truth (below). Does leadership really think they can continue to hide from us and the public they are supposed to serve behind the walls of their expensive castles?

CDC lab containing deadly virus suffers power outage
By ALISON YOUNG
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 07/12/08




Federal Employee Salary Database 2007

Posted by: Anonymous on Friday, July 04, 2008 - 11:45 AM 1313 Reads
CDC Organization
If you are curious to see what you or, for instance William Gimson, are earning or got in bonuses in FY09, the information is publically available at Federal Employee Salary Database 2007.

Before getting all worked up, remember as public servants our salaries have always been public information. Just didn't used to be so easily accessible.



Farewell to Dr. Howard

Posted by: Anonymous on Friday, July 04, 2008 - 07:51 AM 1354 Reads
Other Issues
Farewell NIOSH’s Dr. John Howard


Note: See related story by Alison Young on Atlanta Journal-Constitution site CDC chief criticized for pushing safety director out

New EIS class--substantially fewer physicians?

Posted by: Anonymous on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 - 06:24 PM 760 Reads
Training - EIS
Anyone know what's up with the new EIS class that is just coming in this July?



Latest from GAO

Posted by: Anonymous on Friday, June 27, 2008 - 09:51 PM 1529 Reads
CDC Organization
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Human Capital Planning Has Improved, but Strategic View of Contractor Workforce Is Needed. GAO-08-582, May 28.
GAO Report
Highlights - Highlights


Also the subject of CDC faces challenge of aging work force by ALISON YOUNG in today's Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

CDC faces challenge





Preparedness and CDC

Posted by: Anonymous on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 - 06:06 PM 1044 Reads
Other Issues
One of the catch words these days is preparedness. [pre·par·ed·ness, n. The state of being prepared, especially military readiness for combat. American Heritage Dictionary]. Dr Gs comments below relfect on public attitudes toward emerging infectious diseases and preparedness. Each week it seems there are multiple activities, work groups, organizational units concerned with preparedness at CDC.
How well prepared do you think CDC is for a health-related or natural disaster? What are the strengths and weaknesses of these efforts? What should/could we do better?

CDC chief: Threats are taken too lightly
Associated Press
Published on: 06/22/08

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia —- Complacency is now "public health enemy No. 1," as many people worldwide ignore the threat of a possible flu pandemic and other emerging infectious diseases, Dr. Julie Gerberding, head of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, warned Saturday.


Note: Tell us your opinion of CDC's level of preparedness in the latest CDC Chatter poll.

CDC action at germ lab questioned

Posted by: Anonymous on Sunday, June 22, 2008 - 01:37 AM 2154 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
By ALISON YOUNG
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 6/22/08
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; AJC research

At the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new $214 million infectious disease laboratory in Atlanta, scientists are conducting experiments on bioterror bacteria in a room with a containment door sealed with duct tape.

The tape was applied around the edges of the door a year ago after the building's ventilation system malfunctioned and pulled potentially contaminated air out of the lab and into a "clean" hallway.




Smoke-free Conference Policy Reminder

Posted by: Anonymous on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 - 07:00 AM 1853 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
Most of us received an e-mail reminder that CDC has enacted a Smoke-free Conference Policy requiring that all conferences sponsored or organized by CDC be held in smoke-free communities in the United States and its territories.




Tommy Thompson's firm wins CDC contract

Posted by: Anonymous on Sunday, June 08, 2008 - 10:37 AM 785 Reads
Other Issues
Ex-Bush health chief's firm wins Sept. 11 work

By DEVLIN BARRETT
The Associated Press
Wednesday, June 4, 2008; 8:25 PM

WASHINGTON -- As President Bush's health chief, Tommy Thompson trumpeted millions of taxpayer dollars to help workers sickened by the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center, even amid complaints that his agency wasn't doing enough.

Now, Thompson's private company has won an $11 million contract to treat some of those same workers _ the latest twist in a fitful government effort to determine how many people were made ill by the toxic debris _ and to care for them.

The contract awarded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is aimed at tracking the health of between 4,000 and 6,000 workers who live outside the New York City area, where a separate health monitoring program is in place. The CDC is part of the Health and Human Services Department, which Thompson headed in Bush's first term.



Is CDC acting before reading the literature??

Posted by: Anonymous on Thursday, June 05, 2008 - 11:47 PM 839 Reads
Other Issues
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) -- State and federal health officials have finished collecting blood samples from more than 700 North Dakotans who ate wild game shot with lead bullets. North Dakota health officials and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are studying whether there are health risks for people who eat the meat, said Dr. Stephen Pickard, an epidemiologist with the state Health Department.

Note: Information on Lead in Venison Study


Commissioned Officers Association use of government email and servers

Posted by: Anonymous on Thursday, June 05, 2008 - 06:00 AM 694 Reads
Other Issues
Commissioned Officers Association of the USPHS use of government email and servers.

Calling Joe Henderson

Posted by: Anonymous on Saturday, May 31, 2008 - 12:00 AM 2224 Reads
CDC Organization
Where have you gone Joe?



Consolidation on two sites

Posted by: Anonymous on Monday, May 26, 2008 - 05:35 PM 1650 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
Does anyone know the status of the plan to move everyone to two sites (Clifton and Buford Highway)?



How do lateral transfers at CDC work?

Posted by: Anonymous on Thursday, May 22, 2008 - 06:07 PM 1216 Reads
CDC Organization
Can anyone share their knowledge or experience with getting a lateral transfer to another FTE position with the same series and grade? I'm confused as to how the process works...






Is CCHIS violating laws and regulations relating to personal services?

Posted by: Anonymous on Thursday, May 22, 2008 - 06:07 PM 1292 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
The supervision of contractors is performed by the contractor's manager. Unless explictly authorized by statute, personal services are illegal. FAR 37.104 provides guidance for distinguishing personal from nonpersonal services.

Is CCHIS establishing a senior/subordinate relationship? It is a violation to ask a contractor to change or extend his/her hours for the convenience of the FTE? If a contractor is hired to perform a technical function is it appropriate to ask them to schedule team lunches when this can be performed by a government employee? Is it appropriate to ask a contractor to adjust their leave or tell them when to take leave? Is it appropriate to split a contractor between multiple departments as a "use all" when this is not indicated on the "Statement of Work" and then ask them to provide a narration of where they have been and whom they have been supporting?

CCHIS management needs to rethink their practices when utilizing contractors to ensure that personal services are not being performed.



CCHIS MBSO is now in the beginning (?) stages of implementation

Posted by: Anonymous on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 - 06:00 AM 1102 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
CCHIS Management and Business Services Organization (MBSO)



CDC biolab not ready after 2 1/2 years

Posted by: Anonymous on Monday, May 19, 2008 - 08:00 AM 520 Reads
Business Systems -  Facilities - Funding
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's new maximum-security laboratories in Atlanta were supposed to open in the fall of 2005.

But the suite of Biosafety Level 4 labs — designed to contain the world's most dangerous germs — still haven't been certified as ready to operate. The $214 million building they're in was completed 2 1/2 years ago."

By ALISON YOUNG
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 05/15/08


Note: See complete story by Alison Young (AJC) on Atlanta Journal-Constitution site CDC biolab not ready after 2 1/2 years

Future of the SHARE Office

Posted by: Anonymous on Thursday, May 15, 2008 - 05:53 PM 1193 Reads
Other Issues
Does anyone know what has happened to the SHARE Office?



A Strategic Imperative: Creating a Healthiest Nation

Posted by: Anonymous on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 - 11:20 PM 1088 Reads
Other Issues
Dr Gerberding recently introduced a new imperative, the Healthiest Nation Alliance, which "proposes that our Nation can and must change its fundamental strategy and invest more in protecting health – through health promotion, prevention of diseases, injuries, and disabilities, and preparedness for new threats." This includes a new "Coordinating Council", a full time senior coordinator, and "will involve people in every unit."


What does this mean to your work, to CDC, to the health of the nation? How can the work of your group impact on changing the health care system in the US?




ILA funds question

Posted by: Anonymous on Saturday, April 19, 2008 - 12:38 PM 3033 Reads
Training - EIS
ILA Fund Sweep?

Note: NB: According to the FY 08 appropriation language, "up to $31,800,000 shall be made available until expended for Individual Learning Accounts for full-time equivalent employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention".

Business and Political Pressure Trump the Public's Best Interests (Again)

Posted by: MidnightWriter on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 - 01:05 AM 1927 Reads
Other Issues
NCEH/ATSDR appears to have curtailed and/or canceled portions of a public health investigation in Elmore, Ohio, because of pressure from politicians and business interests. Some of the pressure came from as high up as former Ohio Governor Bob Taft and HHS Secretary Leavitt.

For starters, see the CBS Evening News story at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/04/10/cbsnews_investigates/main4007926.shtml, the press release from the Investigations and Oversight Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology at http://science.house.gov/press/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=2154, and the Subcommittee's letter to Dr. Gerberding at http://www.cbsnews.com/htdocs/investigates_cdc_2.pdf. And stay tuned for more.



Scientist says CDC ignored pleas about FEMA trailers

Posted by: Anonymous on Tuesday, April 01, 2008 - 07:51 PM 3049 Reads
Other Issues
By BEN EVANS
Associated Press
Published on: 04/01/08

"WASHINGTON — A federal scientist said Tuesday his bosses ignored pleas to alert Gulf Coast hurricane victims about formaldehyde dangers in government-issued trailers and told him last year not to write e-mails about his warnings of potentially widespread health problems."


Katrina report slams CDC
Investigators: Agency failed to protect victims from fumes


By ALISON YOUNG
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/01/08

"Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention failed in "almost every respect" to protect Hurricane Katrina's victims from dangerous formaldehyde fumes, despite knowing the trailers the government gave them were contaminated, according to a new report by congressional investigators."



Note: See complete story by Ben Evans (AP) on Atlanta Journal-Constitution site Scientist says CDC ignored pleas about FEMA trailers

7/2/08 AJC articleCDC tests ID sources of fumes in FEMA trailers

See complete story by Alison Young (AJC) on Atlanta Journal-Constitution site Katrina report slams CDC; Investigators: Agency failed to protect victims from fumes

See complete Committee Report Toxic Trailers:Have the Centers for Disease Control Failed to Protect Public Health?


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