Officials tout McAllen-based biosecurity program

McALLEN - Local officials touted a new initiative they said would strengthen the Rio Grande Valley’s ability to combat infectious disease, environmental threats and natural disasters.

Hosted at the Texas A&M Health Science Center in McAllen, program leaders said the initiative would help prepare health officials for urgent threats, research toxic dangers to the Valley’s water and food, and help train local officials on public health practices.

Local lawmakers and state health officials talked up the biosecurity initiative during an announcement Wednesday
afternoon.

The Valley’s high amount of cross-border trade, together with the threat of natural disasters like hurricanes, makes the region more “vulnerable” than other areas of the state, said Dr. Scott Lillibridge, director of the National Center for Emergency Medical Preparedness and Response, who will head the biosecurity initiative.

Research and programs developed by several researchers working under the biosecurity initiative here could create ideas applicable across the state and along the entire U.S.-Mexico border.

“Having a model program unveiled here seems like a pretty good idea,” Lillibridge said.

Funding for the biosecurity initiative came after state legislators appropriated $1 million to launch the program. The funding will keep the initiative afloat until the 82nd Texas Legislature convenes in 2011.

“We have a lot of health issues in regard to public health,” said state Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, D-McAllen, who was on hand for the announcement. Joining him were state Reps. Veronica Gonzales, D-McAllen, and Tara Rios Ybarra, D-South Padre Island, who helped move the funding bill through the Legislature.

Lillibridge and other health officials gave local legislators a tour of a portable hospital that could be set up in response to a biological or natural disaster.

“It’s all about protecting the lives of humans,” Rios Ybarra told about two dozen spectators during the announcement. “Not just Texans, not just Americans, but all people.”

Jared Taylor covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4439.