Get Free Supplies For Organization Pandemic Plans, USA

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Article Date: 16 Mar 2009 - 8:00 PDT

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The Alabama Department of Public Health's Center for Emergency Preparedness Pandemic Influenza program has purchased supplies to encourage organizations to learn about and plan for a pandemic influenza event. An influenza pandemic is a global disease outbreak from a new influenza virus not seen in humans before.

State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson said, "Preparing our state for the possibility of a global influenza pandemic is a huge responsibility, and it is one which depends on cooperation of everyone involved to be successful."

Organizations such as churches, banks, grocery stores or gas stations that write a Continuity of Operations Plan and receive pandemic preparedness education from Public Health are eligible to receive free supplies. The plan must include the specific names, resources, supplies and descriptions of how the organization will continue to operate during a pandemic.

Organizations that already have a plan in place may need to add a few specific elements to ensure it covers a pandemic. A pandemic plan is different from other emergency plans in several ways. For example, all organizations may have up to 40 percent absenteeism, which will affect all counties and sectors at about the same time, and there may be economic and social disruptions.

There are two free supply programs available. Free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies include items such as masks, gloves, sterilizing products and face shields. The free Comfort Care Center (CCC) supply includes fever/pain reducer medications, electrolyte drink, antidiarrheal medication, inflatable mattresses, disposable pillows and blankets.

The operational plans will be reviewed by local public health area emergency preparedness
teams who will also provide the free education. For more information visit http://www.adph.org/pandemicflu, or call 1-866-264-4073 and ask about the free supplies.

Source
Alabama Department of Public Health

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