Free presentations and new DVD now available as part of comprehensive effort to prepare public
St. Louis, Monday, March 12, 2007 - To further prepare St. Louisans for a variety of emergency situations, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter has developed new educational materials to focus on the threat posed by pandemic flu. In conjunction with National Red Cross Month (March), the Red Cross is introducing free presentations as part of its ongoing outreach to help the community prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies. Presentations featuring pandemic flu preparedness are now available for individuals, businesses, schools and community organizations at a location of the participant's choosing.
The Red Cross has sought and received significant community feedback regarding what the public wants to know about preparing for a pandemic event. Based on this feedback, the Red Cross joined with partners such as the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO) to produce a
new 18-minute DVD presentation
now available online at www.redcrossstl.org. The DVD resource can be viewed at an individual's convenience and features testimony from nationally-renowned experts in medicine and emergency preparedness.
"The Red Cross is working closely with our partners in government, emergency management, and other community organizations to address the unique challenges posed by pandemic flu," said Nicole Holtgrefe, director of preparedness and client services for the St. Louis Area Chapter. "The Red Cross role is to provide educational resources that are designed to prevent and prepare for the spread of flu, help the public identify flu symptoms, and highlight safe methods to care for a loved one affected by the illness."
About Seasonal and Pandemic Flu:
The seasonal flu occurs every year between the months of December and March. Seasonal flu is a serious public health concern that affects millions of Americans each year, but one that usually follows a very regular and predictable pattern. Outbreaks are controlled and can even be avoided through yearly flu vaccinations.
Pandemic flu is by nature unpredictable and difficult to manage. A pandemic is a disease that spreads all over the world and affects a large number of people. If a person is caring for a loved one during a pandemic, it is important for them to take steps to protect themselves and others by always following the most current advice from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the local health department.
The American Red Cross has set the following goals for its pandemic flu preparedness outreach:
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To increase awareness about transmission, prevention and healthy practices.
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To increase the sense of community responsibility in order to decrease the risk of transmission.
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To provide information about how to care and comfort those who have pandemic flu.
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To ensure a consistent educational message.
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To educate the community to be effective leaders in disseminating public information that can be helpful at home, school and work.
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To continue effective dialogue with both federal and non-governmental agencies/organizations, including the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
After completing Red Cross presentations, participants will be able to identify the following:
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The signs and symptoms of flu.
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The differences between seasonal and pandemicflu.
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The steps to help protect your family from pandemic flu.
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When a person should stay home.
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How to monitor and treat symptoms.
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When to seek medical help.
About Red Cross Pandemic Flu Preparedness Curriculum:
Red Cross training is comprehensive and free to the public, and is designed for individuals, businesses, schools or community organizations. Highlights include the following:
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Prepare for a Flu Pandemic - Participants learn to plan what they would do if household members have to stay home from work or school. Extra supplies, including food, water, medications and an emergency kit should be on hand.
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Prevent the Spread of Flu - Healthy habits will help prevent many from acquiring and spreading the virus. Safe practices include frequently cleaning hands with soap/water/hand sanitizer, covering the mouth/nose with a tissue/sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and keeping hands away from the eyes/nose/mouth to prevent germs from entering the body.
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Caring for a Sick Household Member - The flu virus is spread when contaminated droplets exit the mouth and nose of an infected person and the virus comes in contact with others. Each person's personal items should be kept separate. Door knobs, switches, handles and toys should be frequently disinfected. Dishes and clothes should be washed in very hot water with detergent.
"There are many things that each of us can do to prevent and prepare for a pandemic event," said Holtgrefe.
"The Red Cross is available to the community as an important educational resource. The St. Louis Area Chapter is ready to help our neighbors and National Red Cross Month is a perfect time to prepare."
For More Information:
To learn more about Red Cross pandemic flu preparedness education, the public is encouraged to contact the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 90 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 410,000 times each year. The Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org.
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