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TAKE THE LEAD — Working Together to Prepare Now for Pandemic Flu Lions Club. Thank you. Let’s talk about pandemic flu!. Why be concerned about pandemic flu? Why prepare?. History tells us it’s “not if, but when” 3 pandemics in past 100 years, 1918 most severe
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TAKE THE LEAD — Working Together to Prepare Now for Pandemic Flu Lions Club
Why be concerned about pandemic flu? Why prepare? • History tells us it’s “not if, but when” • 3 pandemics in past 100 years, 1918 most severe • H5N1 bird flu could mutate to pandemic strain • Pandemic = severe, worldwide, easily spread • We would have little immunity, no vaccine/meds • We are the first generation that can prepare
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) H5N1 9.10.08 2003-’08 387 human cases 245 human deaths 15 nations
Pandemic Phases 10.2008
What has Vermont been doing? • OCT 2004 flu vaccine shortage response • JUN 2005 planning tabletop • JAN 2006 state summit • MAR 2006 regional summits • JUL 2006 2-week full-scale exercise • JAN 2007 school closing exercise • MAY 2008 medical surge capacity exercise • JUL 2008 communication training for leaders • ONGOING creating, refining operational plans
Major Events 2001 › 2007 Full Scale Exercises
A social marketing campaign by HHS… • Raise awareness that pandemic flu is possible • Preparedness is a shared responsibility • Share info & resources about personal preparedness • Engage trusted leaders to verify, spread the word …
Strategy and Identity … • Same message from multiple trusted sources • Pandemic flu is an extreme health emergency • People and families can prepare NOW • It’s practical, not scary • Strategy validated by audience research
Campaign Development … • Research = health, faith, business, civic, public • National forum & leadership BLOG • Partners campaign + Toolkit + Public campaign • “Collaboratory” Project — 9 sites chosen
Why Burlington as a Collaboratory? • Unique city/rural character • Vibrant,diverse population • Many active partners • Full-scale panflu exercises • Vaccine shortage response • Trusted local leaders • Volunteerism, service • April 11 kick-off
Burlington Collaboratory Progress • City, CCRPC, Health Dept. • Health, Business, Faith, CIVIC • Lion’s Club leadership • Communication trainings • Multi-ethnic ‘prevent flu’ video • Preparedness Month stories • Get Ready Day news event • Worksite Wellness Conference • “Stock Up” feature on VPR • HealthVermont.gov pages • Viral e-mail campaign next? • Stock up grocery store event? • Home care holiday gift?
How can Lions Take the Lead? • Talk about personal preparedness with your members, communities. • Share information through your networks. • Host events. • Use the Toolkit to talk about preparedness & help others to know what to doabout pandemic flu. Promote 3 key actions…
Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Stay home when you’re sick.
3 Things to KNOW • Pandemic flu is a world-wide outbreak of a new flu virus. It would make lots of people sick, and cause many deaths. Experts say it WILL happen. • If pandemic is severe, you might run out of food, medicine and other things you need. That’s because many of the people who make and sell them will be too sick to work. • With so many people sick, there won’t be enough doctors, nurses or hospital beds. You might have to take care of yourself or loved ones at home.
3 Things to DO • Make a habit of washing your hands often and well. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve — not your hand! Stay away from others when you’re sick. This will help stop germs from spreading. • Stock up on things such as canned food, bottled water, bathroom items, baby or elder-care needs, home care supplies, and batteries for radios and flashlights. In a severe pandemic, there will be shortages. Refill prescriptions ASAP. • Learn about what might happen if pandemic is severe. Plan what you and your family will do if schools are closed, or you can’t go to work.
3 Places to GO to Learn More • HHS & partners website: www.pandemicflu.gov • Health Dept. website: www.healthvermont.gov • Call this toll-free help line: 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348