text: Today, I convened a meeting of local area hospital chief medical officers to discuss their preparedness for public health emergencies, including Ebola. Every link in the chain from the local hospital to the state and federal government must be able to bear the weight of a public health crisis. I heard about the work that is already taking place at hospitals in our community and discussed their needs today. I have fought to increase resources for the response to the Ebola outbreak, which must be stopped at its source in West Africa, and ÛÒ ahead of any Congressional action - I will continue to coordinate with local leaders to protect the health of our communities.