The threat of an H1N1 flu outbreak is a worry for all businesses, but especially for healthcare distribution companies. The Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA) recently held a one-day workshop to review the successes and challenges of the response to the H1N1 outbreak in late spring and to look at ways to facilitate better communication with manufacturers and state and local health officials going forward.

Representatives of major pharmaceutical companies and government agencies presented their perspectives and answered questions.

"One lesson we all learned from our experience in April is the need for timely information - about not only how and where H1N1 is spreading, but also how the supply chain is responding," said Greg Yonko, senior vice president for purchasing at McKesson and chair of the HDMA Emergency Preparedness and Influenza Task Force. "Everyone in attendance - distributors, manufacturers and public sector representatives alike - left the meeting feeling more informed and better prepared to respond quickly and effectively to the next outbreak."

HDMA has mobilized its Emergency Preparedness and Influenza Task Force to assist with coordination efforts and continues to actively share information with supply chain partners and public health officials.

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