Primary Care Office Pandemic Plan Template Available from CDC
By: Mollie Melbourne
The CDC has just released a new pandemic influenza plan template for primary care offices. This was developed by a group of representatives from primary care (including two PCAs and NACHC), public health, and emergency management. The template provides a good outline for putting together a basic plan – this may be a great start if your health center doesn’t currently have a pan flu plan. Check it out here: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/pdf/abb_pandemic_influenza_plan.pdf
Just Announced! Joint Commission EM Standards Review for Health Centers Webinar
By: Mollie Melbourne
This promises to be an info filled event tailored to the needs of health centers – a great opportunity to refresh the knowledge of existing staff or jumpstart the learning of staff new to JC EM standards. Get more out of it by submitting your questions before the session.
The National Association of Community Health Centers is pleased to announce a no-cost webinar on Joint Commission EM Standards for Health Centers on February 11, 2010 at 2:00 PM ET. This 75 minute session is designed to provide an overview on the 2010 Ambulatory Care Standards for Emergency Management and will feature Jerry Gervais from the Joint Commission. Participants are encouraged to email their questions about Emergency Management Standards before the session to Mollie Melbourne at mmelbourne@nachc.com. Space is limited and registration is open through February 9, 2010. Register now to reserve your spot!
Date: February 11, 2010
Time: 2:00 – 3:15 PM ET
To Register: https://nachcevents.webex.com/nachcevents/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=935111133
Level: Introductory / Review
Haiti Earthquake – How to HELP
by Jason Patnosh and Mollie Melbourne
Following last night’s devastating earthquake in Haiti, we wanted to share some links on the relief and recovery response to all who may be interested in helping.
Note: The U.S. State Department Operations Center has set up a number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti. They should call 1-888-407-4747. There is heavy volume and some callers may receive a recording.
- Direct Relief International is committing up to $1 million in aid for the response and is coordinating with its other in-country partners and colleague organizations. DRI’s partners in Haiti include Partners in Health (see below), St. Damien Children’s Hospital, and the Visitation Hospital, which are particularly active in emergency response. Donate to Direct Relief online.
- The American Red Cross has pledged $1 million to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. The Red Cross expects to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support and is accepting donations through its International Response Fund OR text “HAITI” to “90999″ and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.
- As UNICEF said in a statement, “Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them.” UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via UNICEF’s Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.
- Donate through Wyclef Jean’s foundation, Yele Haiti. Text “Yele” to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.
- Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at 800/678-7255 or by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.
- Ben Stiller’s Stillerstrong campaign will be temporarily diverting all donations to support the Haiti relief effort.
- Partners In Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director, Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: “Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS… Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us.” Donate to the Partners in Health Haiti earthquake fund.
- Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 888/256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept. NR, PO Box 2669, Portland, OR 97208.
- Oxfam is rushing in teams from around the region to respond to the situation to provide clean water, shelter, sanitation and help people recover. Donate to Oxfam America online.
- International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. Donate online.
- AmeriCares has committed $5 million to Haiti relief and is working with partners on the ground to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
- Save the Children is preparing to provide immediate lifesaving assistance, such as food, water, shelter and child-friendly spaces.
H1N1 Webinar TOMORROW!
By: Mollie Melbourne
Mark your calendars – here is an invitation to a great webinar taking place tomorrow. Please share this information with anyone who might be interested!
You Are Invited:
Webinar on 2009 H1N1 Influenza and its Impact on People with Chronic Medical Conditions
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2010
2:30-3:30 PM (EST)
Presented by: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, the American Cancer Society; American Diabetes Association and American Lung Association
The speakers for this event include:
- Nicole Lurie, MD, MSPH, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. DHHS
- Anthony Fiore MD, MPH, Medical Epidemiologist, Influenza Division, CDC
- Otis Webb Brawley, M.D. – Chief Medical and Scientific Officer of the American Cancer Society
- Christine Tobin – American Diabetes Association’s President of Health Care and Education
- Mary Partridge, Chair, American Lung Association
A question and answer session will follow brief presentations by each of the speakers.
Dial into this phone number: 1-800-857-4785, passcode: 9335569
And click on this link to connect to the webinar https://www.livemeeting.com/cc/orau1/join?id=4D94BQ&role=attend&pw=7%60%5DtHXpgC
HHS Delivers the Nation’s First Health Security Strategy
By: Mollie Melbourne
If you haven’t heard about this yet, you will! This is a comprehensive effort to get everyone working together to protect the public’s health in large scale emergencies and health centers will undoubtedly play a role. The documents are a little lengthy but worth the time to read them.
HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today released The National Health Security Strategy (NHSS), the nation’s first comprehensive strategy focused on protecting people’s health during a large-scale emergency. The strategy sets priorities for government and non-government activities over the next four years.
“As we’ve learned in the response to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, responsibility for improving our nation’s ability to address existing and emerging health threats must be broadly shared by everyone – governments, communities, families, and individuals,” Secretary Sebelius said. “The National Health Security Strategy is a call to action for each of us so that every community becomes fully prepared and ready to recover quickly after an emergency.”
To access the NHSS and interim implemention guide, visit this DHHS website: http://www.hhs.gov/aspr/opsp/nhss/implementationguide.html
Happy National Influenza Vaccination Week!
By: Mollie Melbourne
NACHC would like to be the first to wish you a happy NIVW! Planning any great events to underscore the importance of vaccination against influenza? Post the details here! For more information on NIVW, visit this CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/nivw/index.htm
Workplace violence webinar – register now, space limited!
By: Mollie Melbourne
When seconds matter, a response of minutes will be too late…
Every health center has a story – unfortunately workplace violence is the reality in today’s world. Maintaining a safe environment in your health center is of the highest priority. Preparedness requires comprehensive planning and staff training to identify potential workplace violence issues, develop protocol to address situations, and respond to events that threaten the safety of staff and patients. OSHA has identified workplace violence as a hazard and you are required to have a plan.
The National Association of Community Health Centers is pleased to host a no-fee webinar on January 14, 2010 to address Workplace Violence that features national experts from Firestorm. Firestorm is a leader in crisis management, threat assessment, risk management, and business continuity. The presenters will offer insights from their experiences including Virginia Tech shootings and empower attendees to utilize Firestorm’s Predict. Plan. Perform.™ consequence management process.
When seconds matter, a response of minutes will be too late. Consequence management should be added to everyone’s emergency management agenda. This webinar is a first step to assist health centers in building a robust workplace violence plan as part of comprehensive emergency and business continuity management. What is your plan? Are you ready?
Workplace Violence: What it Means to Your Health Center
Review of Current Events/Statistics/Approaches—Jim Satterfield & Scott Watkowski
- PREDICT New Norm: Violence will be the response/What to look for
- PLAN Identify elements of a plan
- PERFORM Train/Notify/How to react: Flee/Confront
- Conclusion & Action Steps
When: January 14, 2010
Time: 2:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM PT
To Register: Click Here – or paste link below into your browser.
https://nachcevents.webex.com/nachcevents/onstage/g.php?t=a&d=664391862
Cost: FREE
Please submit your questions in advance of the webinar by emailing them to Mollie Melbourne at mmelbourne@nachc.com. We look forward to you joining us for this timely and important webinar.
Holiday Greetings from DHHS
By: Mollie Melbourne
The Department of Health and Human Services reminds us that we are still in flu season. Read their letter below and don’t add the flu to the list of things you give your loved ones this year. Happy Holidays!
Dear Friend:
You may have noticed the spread of the H1N1 flu decreasing lately. And in between all the holiday festivities and to-do lists, you may be asking whether getting the vaccine is still important. What many don’t know is that flu season typically lasts through May, and that past pandemics have occurred in waves. In other words, it’s possible that we will see another increase in H1N1 and/or seasonal flu in the months ahead. Below are some useful tips provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for you to share with your family and friends as you celebrate the holiday season.
3 SIMPLE STEPS TO A HEALTHY NEW YEAR
- Add the Vaccine to Your Wish List – Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. To find the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine clinics nearest you, visit FLU.gov and type in your zip code. The Department of Health and Human Services recently teamed up with Google Maps to create this handy flu vaccine locator. Go ahead, try it out!
NOTE: Many people at high risk for flu complications have received the H1N1 vaccine, so most states are opening their clinics to the general population. Please call ahead to the desired clinic location to confirm availability. Contact information is listed on the FLU.gov vaccine locator.
- Be a Germ Stopper – Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Also, stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick. For additional information, see how to prevent and treat the flu.
- Check the Facts and Stay Informed – Visit FLU.gov regularly for the latest information. Heard a rumor? Visit Myths & Facts to run a fact check.
If you’ve been vaccinated already, please share this email with friends and family and let them know why the H1N1 vaccine is safe and recommended by health experts. The 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine. Millions of people have safely received the H1N1 vaccine, including the President, First Lady and their children.
Also, consider posting a flyer at your work, school and local community centers. FLU.gov offers free outreach materials available in multiple languages.
Questions? Visit FLU.gov or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), offering services in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday season.
In Case You Missed It…
By: Mollie Melbourne
Here is a compelling and sobering look at the H1N1 pandemic and its effect on the healthcare system. Worth the hour it takes to watch the archived recording.
Watch PBS NewsHour Episode: Anatomy of a Pandemic
Watch the recording of PBS NewsHour’s Ray Suarez’s exploration of the science and policy of this year’s swine flu pandemic: what is known about the current H1N1 influenza outbreak and how is the government preparing for the next big threat.
Personal Preparedness – What are You Waiting for??
By: Mollie Melbourne
Here is how one health center supports their staff in getting ready for emerencies. What has your center done to help promote personal preparedness among your staff? Share your story.
Judith Shaplin, CEO, of Mountain Health and Community Services, Inc. in rural San Diego County has found a way to help her staff build their personal preparedness kits. In weekly emails, this innovative CEO provides staff with a list of a few items to pick up in their weekly grocery shopping trip for their preparedness kit. This way, people can build their preparedness kits over the course of months to spread out the cost and effort.
These folks know a thing or two about disasters. In both 2003 and 2007, Mountain Health and Community Services played a crucial role in responding to wildfires that raged in Southern California. In 2007, for over two weeks, the center functioned as the focal point for shelter, health care, mental health care, food and assistance to over 250 people who had either lost their homes, or were threatened. For several weeks after that, the Center operated as a distribution center for clothing, food and referrals for needed service. In a recent email exchange, Ms. Shaplin had this to say, “it’s easy to read about how to prepare for emergencies, but always something we put off because we need to do something else and we don’t want to think a disaster will happen to us. So don’t think about it…do it.” Good advice.