U.S. aid to help N.J. fight swine flu

TRENTON - New Jersey will get more than $10 million from the federal government to help prepare for the fall influenza season, officials have announced.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services will use $7.5 million for preparation and prevention efforts of seasonal and swine flu, while hospitals and health centers will share $2.6 million to ensure they're ready for a potential onslaught of patients.

The money comes from a $350 million pool the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Friday to encourage states to prepare for a flu outbreak.

Ten swine-flu deaths have been reported in New Jersey and more than 800 cases confirmed. Starting tomorrow, state officials will begin meetings with local leaders, hospital, and health-industry officials and others to coordinate efforts to fight the flu this fall.