Public health lab proposed for LV

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2001 | 9:29 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Under the potential threat of bioterrorism, Las Vegas needs a public health laboratory to quickly analyze suspicious substances, state officials said Tuesday.

D. Brown, director of the state's Public Health Laboratory in Reno, noted that "Las Vegas has been identified as one of 120 targets for bioterrorists in the country," and said Clark County needs a lab for diagnostic services.

All specimens and other items are sent to the state lab in Reno, and that delays instances when fast action may be needed, officials said.

Dr. Donald Kwalick, chief health officer in Clark County, told the Legislative Committee on Health that Las Vegas was the only major city in the country that didn't have a public health lab.

He urged the committee to push the state's congressional delegation for money to build a lab at the county's health complex. The lab would cost about $1.5 million to build and equip and would be used not only in bioterrorism cases but also for day-to-day testing.

Sen. Ray Rawson, R-Las Vegas, chairman of the Senate Health Committee, suggested it may be a while before the federal funds become available.

Barbara Hunt, health officer for Washoe County, endorsed the need for a public health laboratory in Clark County, saying it would enhance the capabilities of the state overall. And she said she is sending staff to Clark County to look at the bioterrorism curriculum to bring it to the Reno-Sparks area.

The legislative committee is working to develop a Health Powers Act that would shore up the law in dealing with attacks.