Good Informational Video - Washington alerts residents

They're not covering the whole state with the message

Of course I live in Vancouver, WA, so our news comes from Oregon rather than from Washington stations.  This is the first I have heard of this and I watch for such things.  I wonder if the info campaign extends to Eastern Washington or is limited to the Seattle/Puget Sound area.

---

by: AVanarts @ Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 16:40:25 PM UTC

Saved it

AVanarts, When I first read the news article about it (July 7,2007), I saved it to my panflu folder, but I can't find it anywhere on their website to post a link to it. If you'd like, I can copy and paste and send the article to your email. I could copy and paste it here but it is a bit lengthy and I'm not sure if the mods would approve. Mods?

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

---

by: iwrote1 @ Tue Jul 10, 2007 at 16:48:56 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

I was wrong, but here it is

AVanarts, I decided to post the news report here since there is plenty of room, however I must apologize. It is dated earlier than I thought which explains why I couldn't find it on the WA website. Dated 02-07-07, here is the news story in case you missed it. Sorry again for the confusion..

"Pandemic influenza is a real possibility ? are you prepared?"

New campaign tells people to cover your cough, stay home when sick, and start getting ready

OLYMPIA - Public health experts believe an influenza pandemic is inevitable. The question is when ? and the time to prepare is now. The Washington State Department of Health is launching a new effort this week to educate and inform people about pandemics and steps they can take to get ready.

"Safety and security in Washington are among my top priorities and preparing for a pandemic can help people be ready for any emergency," said Governor Chris Gregoire. "Washington government and businesses have been working on plans for some time now, but true preparedness will take all of us."

A pandemic is a global outbreak of a new virus. With any new virus, there is no vaccine and people will not have any natural immunity. No one knows how bad the next flu pandemic will be, so everyone should prepare for the worst.

"We?ve spoken with a lot of people around the state about pandemic flu. Most of them told us they want simple information to help them understand what a pandemic is and what they can do to get ready for one," said Secretary of Health Mary Selecky. "We?ve taken their input and have developed a campaign to do exactly that."

The health department is spreading the word in a number of ways. A new ad campaign begins this week ? television, radio, and newspaper. Starting in March, an informational flyer about pandemic influenza will be included with other health information in mailings sent to parents of children up to age six across the state. The agency has also updated its pandemic influenza Web site and recently distributed more than a million copies of its pandemic flu "Family Guide."

To develop the campaign, the Department of Health held focus groups across the state to determine the level of awareness and concern about pandemics among Washington residents. People said they were overwhelmed by news reports and other information. They want straight-forward, honest answers along with easy steps to help them prepare. The television, print and radio ads direct people to "wash your hands, cough and sneeze into your sleeves, and stay home when you?re sick." People are also advised to "stock up on food and supplies, have enough for a week or more," and "have an emergency plan for your family."

"We want to inform people without scaring them," said state Health Officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "Using good health habits and taking some steps to get ready now will go a long way in helping people care for family members when they cannot get to the doctor and stores or other services may be closed."

Public awareness is part of a larger effort underway to prepare for pandemic flu. The Department of Health is working with local health agencies, other government agencies and businesses to develop plans to prepare for and respond to a pandemic.

According to some estimates, a pandemic could kill thousands in Washington and millions around the world. Hospitals could be overwhelmed, schools could close, and stores, banks, and other businesses may not have enough staff or supplies to stay open. It could take months for an effective vaccine to be developed, and medication will likely be in short supply. Preparing now could save lives later.

The Department of Health is working to inform and encourage people in Washington to prepare for public health emergencies. More information on the public awareness campaign (www.doh.wa.gov/panflu) is available on the Department of Health Web site and other emergency preparedness information is available on the agency?s home page (www.doh.wa.gov).

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

---

by: iwrote1 @ Wed Jul 11, 2007 at 19:11:27 PM UTC

[ Parent ]