For Immediate Release:
August 31, 2007
Contact:
Nanci Gonder
Office of Public Information
573-751-6062
Pandemic Flu Community Guides Now Available in Doctor Offices, Hospital Waiting Rooms and Senior Centers
In a continued effort to make available vital pandemic flu planning information to Missourians, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) recently sent supplies of its free, 12-page booklet titled Preparing for Pandemic Flu: A Community Guide to family care physicians, physicians who treat Medicare patients, hospitals and senior centers across the state. The community guides can be found in special tabletop displays in doctor office and hospital waiting rooms, and in common gathering areas of senior centers. Anyone waiting in those areas may take a free copy of the guide to learn more about how to plan for the next flu pandemic.
The easy-to-read booklet is designed around a three-step process to help the reader (1) learn more about pandemic flu, (2) plan for when a pandemic strikes, and to (3) help protect against getting and/or spreading the pandemic flu virus. Included in the community guide are practical tips for creating family response plans, and helpful lists for developing emergency supplies of food, water, and other necessities in case a pandemic forces people to stay at home for several days. Also included is information specifically for people with special needs and their caregivers, as well as a description of the differences between seasonal flu, pandemic flu, and avian flu.
“When the next flu pandemic strikes, communities will have to work together to get through it and minimize its impact on our lives, said Jane Drummond, DHSS director. “If Missourians will do all we can now to plan and prepare for how we will respond to a pandemic, we all will have a much better chance of success,” she added. “Now is the time for everyone to make their plans for pandemic flu and we are pleased to offer the Community Guide so that all Missourians have the information they need to prepare.”
Drummond noted the publication is available in English, Spanish, Bosnian and Braille.
There are several other ways to obtain free copies of Preparing for Pandemic Flu: A Community Guide. To order directly from DHSS through the Internet, go to http://www.dhss.mo.gov/PandemicInfluenza. In the box that says Order Your Pandemic Influenza Community Guide Here, click on the appropriate yellow language link and follow the instructions. Orders may also be made by phone by calling 573-751-6161. For individual copies or for small quantities, people may also contact their local public health agency.