The Virginia Department of Health is beginning a public awareness campaign to to educate people and organizations on what to do if a pandemic flu should come to the United States. Sean Tubbs covered a press conference today for WVTF Public Radio, and prepares this podcast of the press conference. The panel consisted of Lilian Peake of the Thomas Jefferson Health District, Albemarle County Chief Executive Bob Turner, Assistant Charlottesville City Manager Rochelle Small-Toney, and Dr. James Turner of the U.Va Student Health Department.
Hey, thanks for the podcast! I think Virginia should continue to teach those about the pandemic flu and give as many shots as possible. The flu can be easily defeated with the right preparation and it looks like their doing it. Great post, thanks!
Emmanuel – Proud owner of Proud owner of Eniva Vibe by Eniva blog.
While the medical response to pandemic flu will be important to controlling its spread and limiting its toll, there are considerable non-medical issues related to flu preparedness that are essential for ensuring the continued well-being of the nation’s economy. Planning for Continuity of Operations (COOP) and Continuity of Government (COG) is critical to maintaining the overall viability of society. Thus, while we rightly prepare for the flu, we must be equally prepared to function during the flu.
The Center for Technology and National Security Policy of the DOD’s National Defense University has prepared a number of freely-available items which can help civilians be prepared both before and during the flu. “Bird Flu and You” is a poster available in 9 languages with basic information about influenza preparedness. “Weathering the Storm” is a report with information about planning for COOP, including instructions for carrying out “tabletop exercises” with a COOP plan.
Electronic copies of the poster are available at http://www.ndu.edu/ctnsp/Bird_flu.htm. Electronic copies of the report are available at http://www.ndu.edu/ctnsp/Def_Tech/DTP 38 Weathering The Storm.pdf, and to request hard copies of the report, contact the Life Sciences group at lifesciences@ndu.edu.
Robert E. Armstrong, Ph.D.
&
Mark D. Drapeau, Ph.D.
Center for Technology and National Security Policy
National Defense University
Washington, DC
These views are those of the authors, and not the official views of the U.S. National Defense University, the U.S. Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.