In the fall of 2001, LHI collaborated with the CDC to implement the Anthrax Vaccine and Antibiotic Availability Program (AVAAP). The AVAAP was a contract to provide emergency response to the rapidly developing crisis following the sending of anthrax-laden letters through the mail. In an effort to prevent further illness and casualties from this act of terror, LHI was asked to provide the necessary antibiotics and vaccine to U.S. Postal workers, Capitol Hill staff, and AMI employees who were possibly exposed to anthrax spores. LHI mounted this effort in 72 hours and delivered emergency assistance that included furnishing a mobile medical unit for the Brentwood postal facility and medical staff at several sites in Washington, D.C., New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Florida.
In May of 2002, LHI continued work with the CDC, initiating the Anthrax Vaccine Program (AVP). The AVP provided anthrax immunizations to select potentially at risk laboratory workers in the National Laboratory Response Network (LRN). Through this program LHI also provided immunizations to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Agency for Toxic Substance Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Investigators hired to decontaminate the New Jersey and Brentwood postal facilities, as well as the Florida AMI building. Since the effectiveness of the vaccine is an important factor in the program, LHI’s Project Manager has made certain all program participants have stayed on the proper recommended dosing schedule through our internal business management tracking system.
LHI used their vast provider network to set up on-site services to accommodate these individuals so they can continue their essential duties. LHI also manages the vaccine (receipt, storage, and distribution) used for this program, and provides education and training to the AVP laboratory points of contact, AVP participants, and LHI network providers.