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For Release   Friday, 28th  December,  2001        

     WHEREAS, on October 4, 2001, the Florida Department of Health announced it was investigating a case of anthrax infection; and

    WHEREAS, the detection of this anthrax infection was made possible by the Palm Beach County Health Department’s proper use of the state’s public health surveillance systems and the hard work of its public health professionals, and

    WHEREAS, The Palm Beach County Health Department, as a vital component of the Florida Department of Health, worked with state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to quickly confirm the first case of anthrax infection in the United States since 1978; and

    WHEREAS, the state’s identification of a second case of anthrax infection at the same workplace led to the conclusion that the infections were the result of a biological attack; and

    WHEREAS, Palm Beach County Health Department Director Jean Malecki’s efforts, expertise and leadership were instrumental in the state’s early detection of anthrax, which sounded the alarm for health and law enforcement officials across the country; and

    WHEREAS, as a result of the state of Florida’s actions, quick action was taken on other suspected attacks and previous attacks were identified; and

    WHEREAS, this resulted in the implementation of new procedures across the country to prevent and limit further anthrax infections, saving many lives; and

    WHEREAS, The Palm Beach County Health Department has always played a vital role in making our state a leader in the public health field and helping it serve as a model of preparedness and response for other states; and

    WHEREAS, throughout this public health crisis, Jean Malecki, M.D., M.P.H., and the Palm Beach County Health Department acted in an exemplary manner fulfilling their obligations to protect and serve the citizens of Florida.

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT KNOWN, That The Secretary of Health of the State of Florida, commends

Jean Malecki, M.D., M.P.H.

For her dedicated service and outstanding leadership to the Citizens of Florida.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, the Secretary of Health for the State of Florida has hereunto subscribed his name and has caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 4th day of December, 2001.

JOHN O. AGWUNOBI, M.D., M.B.A.
SECRETARY
FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

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