The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Public Health's (DHH OPH) longstanding good relationship with the Louisiana State Police was critically important during the 2009 H1N1 response. For example, State Police transported large volumes of influenza samples from regional locations across the state to the DHH OPH State Laboratory.
Between early April and late May 2009, DHH OPH staff arranged transport of all suspect H1N1 influenza samples from clinics, hospitals, sentinel facilities and healthcare providers to nine regional locations. The Louisiana State Police collected the samples on a regular schedule from these regional locations and transported them to the state lab.
This was a short-term solution to an immediate public health need. After the crisis had passed, the Louisiana OPH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Laboratory Services and Emergency Operations Center resumed routine transportation protocols. During this time, the Louisiana State Police also provided Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) security and incurred cost with the operation of the Louisiana State Police Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
The Louisiana State Police have always had a role in public health emergency response efforts. Prior to H1N1, potential emergency specimens were collected and then rapidly transported by law enforcement only on an individual basis; when providers or facilities were unable to rule out a bioterrorism threat agent. State Police have also played a security role during response efforts, particularly at mass dispensing points. To reimburse the police for their services, the state had planned to offer free vaccinations to police and their immediate family members. The initial H1N1 response differed in that there wasn't a vaccine available.
The Louisiana State Police, as part of critical infrastructure personnel, were offered H1N1 vaccine in January 2010, when the campaign expanded beyond the initial target groups. Critical infrastructure and corporate outreach were part of Louisiana's final push for H1N1 vaccination. Open clinics with increased staffing were scheduled to take place March 28 through April 2, 2010 at parish health units.
