The mission of the American Red Cross is helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross not only responds to tens of thousands of disasters each year, but also has responded to many public health emergencies in the past such as the influenza pandemic of 1918.
The Red Cross works with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help the public prepare for a variety of public health threats. At this time, Red Cross has taken on the role of working with communities across the country on flu pandemic education. As an organization that connects individuals and families to important preparedness information every day, the Red Cross continues to develop flu pandemic materials that can be easily understood and applied in your community and household.
Please click on the following links for Pandemic Flu preparedness information:
Learning The Facts
Planning Ahead
Individual and Family Preparedness
Preview the video Pandemic Flu Public Information Series – Are You Prepared?
Business/Community Groups Preparedness
Schools
- Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklists (CDC):
- Child Care and Preschool
- School District (K-12)
- Colleges and Universities
- U.S. Department of Education Emergency Planning: Pandemic (website)
- “Henry the Hand, Champion Handwasher” Hand-Washing Program”
The Henry the Hand Program teaches children ages 3-7 about germs and responsible behaviors that reduce and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The curriculum focuses on proper hand-washing techniques and includes a video (or DVD), a Henry the Hand puppet, lesson outlines and directions for optional educational activities. Borrow the curriculum package for FREE for one week, then return it to us. To borrow call 513-792-4000 or 1-800-241-8296. For more information you can log onto http://www.henrythehand.com.
Taking Action Now
Interested in learning more?
American Red Cross chapters across the country offer classes titled “Pandemic Flu Public Information Series – Are You Prepared?" that include an informational video, Powerpoint presentation, and lecture. The class is approximately one hour in length and contains information regarding individual preparedness – as well as brochures and worksheets. This presentation is appropriate for workplaces, communities and churches. Its content includes:
- What to expect during a flu pandemic
- The differences between seasonal flu and pandemic flu
- How the influenza virus spreads
- Steps to help prevent the spread of the flu
- How to prepare for a flu pandemic
Educators are available to present this material to your local community group, church, or business at no cost. Red Cross can also train you to be a health educator so you can further promote the preparedness of your community.
Please call 1-800-241-8296 if you are interested in scheduling this presentation or becoming a volunteer community disaster educator for Pandemic Influenza.
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