Bilirakis Meets With Local Health Leaders to Discuss Ebola

Washington, D.C. – Representative Gus Bilirakis, member of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health, today met with local health care officials and first responders to discuss Ebola readiness and preparedness.

"I am deeply concerned about the threat Ebola poses to public health. In order to guarantee no further importation to the U.S., the Ebola virus must be immediately eradicated in West Africa. Here at home, the Administration must coordinate with local governments and health care providers in a proactive manner to ensure our doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals have the training and resources available to adequately diagnose and treat infected patients." Bilirakis said.

"I want to do my part to help our local health care officials and first responders have the tools available to address any potential outbreak in the Tampa Bay area. I received valuable input from all of the participants, and have great confidence these men and women will do what is necessary to ensure public health and safety. I will continue to work in close conjunction with all appropriate federal, state, and local entities to ensure cooperation and the readiness of the greater Tampa Bay area," Bilirakis continued.

The roundtable of nearly 20 participants included:

1. Gino Casanova, Florida Hospital;
2. Rachel Williamson and Tait Sanborn, Pasco County Sheriff's Office;
3. Beth Weaver and Toni Belisle, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office;
4. Doug Holt and Steven Huard, Hillsborough County Department of Health;
5. Chad Pittman, Palm Harbor Fire Department;
6. Captain Mark Dunnagan, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office;
7. Claude Dharamraj, Pinellas County Department of Health;
8. Randy TeBeest, Pasco County Public Safety;
9. Andrew Fink, MD., and Clint Shouppe, Baycare;
10. Tim Reardon, Pasco County Fire Rescue;
11. Michael Rayn, Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management;
12. Robert Salmon and Brandon Wagner, Hillsborough County government; and
13. Kevin Davidson and David Travis, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue.

Additionally, on Thursday, October 23, 2014, members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, including Congressman Gus Bilirakis, sent a letter to President Obama, Ebola Response Coordinator Ron Klain, Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell, and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson seeking further answers on the Administration's response and preparedness efforts to treat those with Ebola, prevent any further spread in the United States, and stop the spread of the virus at its source in West Africa.

The members write, "with a series of questions and recommendations to ensure that the U.S. response to the risks posed by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa is as effective as possible in protecting the public health and safety of the American people. Congress stands ready to serve as a strong and solid partner in solving this crisis." Read the complete letter online here.