U.S. Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI) today pressed public health experts to recommend funding and preparedness levels for federal, state, and local governments, in order to better prepare seniors for a potential avian flu pandemic.

"The elderly are among our most vulnerable members of society and are far too often overlooked or even ignored in emergency preparedness plans," Kohl said.

"Are we doing enough to train first responders and medical professionals to meet seniors' needs in the event of a pandemic flu outbreak?"

In response, Dr. Scott R. Lillibridge, Professor of Epidemiology and Director, Center for Biosecurity and Public Health Preparedness at The University of Texas Health Science Center, suggested that the federal government consider expanding programs for seniors and integrating training into existing preparedness programs.

Kohl also suggested that local governments set up registries modeled after a program designed by Dade County, FL, as part of national emergency preparedness plans.

"Many seniors live alone and rely on others for transportation, supplies, and information," Kohl said. "A voluntary registry would help first responders know where to find seniors who need help during or after an emergency."

Kohl's questions today came during a Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee hearing called to explore budget needs for biodefense and pandemic influenza.

As Ranking Member of the Aging Committee, Kohl chaired a hearing last week on emergency preparedness for seniors. Seniors are particularly vulnerable during emergencies -- a point made clear during Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana, where 71 percent of the people killed were older than 60. At the Aging Committee hearing, witnesses testified that seniors need more information to prepare for emergencies, first responders need better training to help seniors

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