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SARS Funding Could Be Put to Better Use, Official Says
By Jessica Davis, TheWorldJournal.com

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A possible outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome, commonly known as SARS, and fear of a biological terror attack are receiving the majority of health funding that could be put to use on problems that currently affect Hagerstown residents, said Kathy Morrisey, Infection Control Practitioner for Washington County Hospital.

While SARS is a major public health concern, the exact cause is not confirmed and doctors have no way to treat or protect citizens. The hospital recently received a $40,000 grant to research the benefits of a bioterrorism decontamination chamber, according to Morrisey, as well as money to hire a specialist to develop training policies.

SARS, however, has not yet been documented in the Hagerstown area. Lack of proper immunizations and the rise of sexually transmitted diseases are far more prevalent issues for the area.

"We seem to focus more now on emergency pathogens like SARS, anthrax, and smallpox that we tend to overlook the need to maintain and make certain proper immunizations and treatment are done for the health problems we know more about," Morrisey said.

The main challenge is educating and motivating the public to take the initiative to take care of themselves, she said. Hagerstown has a number of free clinics available for treatment of most diseases and illnesses.

While Washington County Hospital and Health Department are both dependent on private and public funding, Morrisey is quick to point out that there is never enough money allocated to cover all community health needs.

"We are always doing more with less," Morrisey said. "I wear multiple hats in my role because money limits the amount of people we can hire to expand our work force."

Among the goals for the Washington County Health System for 2003-2004 is identifying situations which pose harm to the public and educating and protecting the community from any harm to their health.

"You do what you can with the resources and money you are given," Morrisey said. "You just have to hope for the best outcome possible for the community."

© May 5, 2003

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