After working for five years as the health director for the Uncas Health District — which covers Norwich, Sprague, Montville and Bozrah — Patrick McCormack, 35, was recently tapped as the interim health director for the Northeast District Health Department, which is responsible for a 12-town area in northeastern Connecticut.
Q: How did you get into this business?
A: My mother was a public health nurse, and when I graduated, I went right into that job. It's a constantly evolving job. We've dealt with SARS, West Nile virus, smallpox and now H1N1 (swine flu). And we still have to deal with environmental health functions. On any given day, we could get a call about a lead contamination, septic, food service or disease problem. It makes going to work interesting.
Q: What is the role of the local health department in dealing with the spread of the H1N1 virus?
A: We are trying to get as much vaccine to the public as possible. And we do this using our medical reserve corps, volunteer teams of nurses, doctors and other medical staff. They go to clinics, pay the doses and review the forms. We have had a plan for this type of event for years. These critical response plans cover everything from mass casualty situations, such as a crash on I-395, to smallpox outbreaks. Fortunately, with the H1N1 virus, we had a period of time to set a schedule and really plan our response. Our mission has always been to prevent a large amount of disease and mortality in the regions — it is our obligation.
Q: What is the biggest misconception about the H1N1 virus?
A: The public is under the impression that the vaccine may not be available if they need it, and that comes from the priority lists given to ensure that certain people, such as pregnant women, get the drug. It will be enough. More vaccines are coming to us every week and these priority categories are expanding as well. Every person who wants the vaccine will do so. There is also some confusion regarding seasonal flu. This virus usually affects the elderly, while H1N1 targets the young. I hear some people are worried because they can't find the seasonal flu shot. But seasonal flu season only starts in November and peaks in January or February. That said, about 80 percent of the seasonal flu vaccine arrived, but most of it went to larger clinics and pharmacies. People who usually get the vaccine from a doctor's office, visiting nurses or senior clinics — the elderly who need it most — are having trouble finding it. The preventive treatment for both viruses is the same: If you feel sick, stay home, avoid large crowds, and wash your hands often.
Q: Do the two health departments have enough staff and funding to continue to deal with the H1N1 situation?
A: We make what we have. We've added some staff, but we're really relying on the community right now. For example, several of the local fire chiefs have taken it upon themselves to fill out forms and set schedules to get their people vaccinated. Our funding comes from the state, municipalities and through grants, so we are considered a non-profit organization. And we find that this situation has allowed us to create unique relationships in the communities we serve.
Q: There have been several recent meetings between the Northeast Regional Health Department and the Northeast Connecticut Council of Governments regarding a potential streamlining of services. Where are these discussions now?
A: In very preliminary stages. I think they are looking for guidance. They are looking for ways to cut costs, given the cut in state funding cities received last year. That they came to the table and ask questions is a positive thing. We lost revenue last year as well. We're a regional municipal department, just like fire and police departments, so it's to our advantage to work with community groups and make sure they understand our mission.
