Emergency Assembly Hearing on H1N1 on October 13, 2009 in New York City. Register Immediately!!!!!

ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH
ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON LABOR
ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
ASSEMBLY STANDING COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION
ASSEMBLY SUBCOMMITTEE ON WORKPLACE SAFETY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
SUBJECT: H1N1 Influenza
PURPOSE: To receive testimony (see below)
New York City
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
10:00 A.M

Assembly Hearing Room
250 Broadway, 19th Floor

This fall, spread of H1N1 influenza ("swine flu") is expected to increase, perhaps as an even more dangerous strain than that which was present this spring. Health care settings, schools and workplaces are the most likely places for people to be exposed to H1N1.

The Committees will receive testimony on: current H1N1 flu activity and monitoring and tracking activities being conducted by state and local health officials; an update on infection rates in New York State; the H1N1 vaccine, its efficacy and safety, availability of supplies and vaccination distribution plans; techniques to prevent the spread of the H1N1 "swine flu;" educational, outreach and preventive steps identified by government health and safety agencies; and how health care settings, schools and workplaces are implementing these steps.

Persons wishing to testify or attend should complete the hearing reply form below
And return as indicated as soon as possible, but no later than Wednesday, October 7.

Richard Daines' Master Plan

A brief internet inquiry on Richard Daines, the Commissioner of Health for New York State,

has revealed that this normal flu and swine flu mandate is just a part of his master plan. In 2008, Dr. Daines requested the introduction of AB10942--a bill that I'm having the hardest time locating, but here is some info via www.infowars.net:

A pending New York State Assembly Bill dubbed, the "worst vaccine bill ever" by one activist group, would see all vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made mandatory for all children, including infants and toddlers.

New York, Swine Flu, and Our Health Scare System

I interrupt my regularly scheduled NYC adventures, to bring you a major roadblock in my new life. As most folks know by now, both the regular flu, and swine flu vaccinations are being mandated for healthcare workers, students, and volunteers in the State of New York.

On August 13, 2009 an emergency regulation went into effect, which requires that all personnel of certain health care settings receive annual vaccinations against influenza by November 30 of each year unless they have a medical contraindication to the vaccination or the State Commissioner of Health determines that there is an insufficient supply of vaccine for the year...Personnel who must be vaccinated against influenza include all those affiliated with the employer, paid or unpaid, who have direct contact with patients or whose activities are such that they pose a risk of transmission of influenza to patients or to those who provide direct care to patients. (http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/providers/2009-08-26_health_care_worker_mandatory_influenza_immunization.htm)

Driving to and in New York City

For my first trip to NYC, and after much vacillation, I decided to avoid the public transportation system, and drive.  Really, I did try to map out the trip using the system--I even had a New Yorker help me out, but the idea made me too anxious.

The idea of driving in the city also made me anxious.  I had heard about New York drivers and their lack of driving skills and impatience.  And I had also heard something about tolls up North, but I had to scour the internet to see just how much it would cost me.  Online estimates put the toll prices roundtrip between $30-$40.  Damn! AND I had to pay for gas!  Still, to avoid wait times and a system with which I was completely unfamiliar (I've utilized public transportation maybe a handful of times), driving seemed like the lesser evil.  I borrowed a GPS and set about my way.  I picked up my homegirl along the way for a few reasons:  security, companionship, and that fact that she was a "city girl" herself--born and raised.

Where IS New York?

Sadly, I never even knew New York City was so close (to "the South").  All these years, I thought it was light years away for some reason.  Of course, having traveled my whole life, I have known where it is situated on the map, however, it seemed that it was the distance of, let's say, Boston or something.

But what I have come to find out is that, whomever gave me this idea, was referring to what they call Upstate New York--because "The City" is truly, right around the corner from DC, Maryland, and Virginia.  A train ride, or even a bus ride, is only a few hours long.

Everywhere, EXCEPT New York

I have traveled and lived all across the United States, but for some reason, I had never been to New York. I'm am a southern baby and the thought of a place like New York, used to send chills down my spine. It was like, the most dangerous place on earth.

I've met plenty of people from New York--and boy are they known to us southerners, because all New Yorkers ever talk about is,

I'm in New York

Well, actually, I've been in New York for a couple of weeks now. I've also been meaning to start this blog from day one, but things have been movin' and shakin' and this is my first chance to finally BREATHE. So, I'm going to attempt to tell my adventures in chronological order so readers can follow this ride with me.