The County Health Department is looking for help from local area providers.  They would like to hear from you regarding communications and coordination during the initial phase of the H1N1 epidemic, and are asking you to take a few moments to complete an online survey.

The results of this survey will be used to refine their procedures for furture events.

The survey can be accessed at:  http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2bUnCPtKDlVLhLzdz30bkVw_3d_3d

September is emergency prepardness month and the Marion County Health Department hopes you will take this opportunity to consider your family's plan in case of emergency.  What are your answers the following questions?   

Do you and your family have a plan in case of emergency?

Do all the members of your family know what to do in an emergency?  

Do you have contingency plans if cell phones don't work, grocery stores aren't available, water service is interupted, or your family members are away from home when disaster strikes?

If you answered yes to some or all of these questions, are you sure of your answer?   

The following links are to short public service announcements that hopefully will help you think about emergency planning for your family:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPDMSWR-Flg

Has your office or facility completed an assessment of your staff and patient needs for influenza vaccine in a pandemic based on the prioritization guidelines? Knowing the total amount of vaccine needed to cover staff and patients will facilitate distribution of influenza vaccine once it becomes available during a pandemic. Below is a three-part tool to assist in the assessment of needed influenza vaccine for medical offices and facilities. Please complete the forms and fax back to Marion County Health Department at (503) 566-2920.

A comprehensive planning checklist for medical offices and clinics to use in preparing for the next influenza pandemic is available at www.pandemicflu.gov