Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

In times of Emergency, many people turn to their House of Worship or Faith Organization. Many have laid out Emergency Pandemic Plans. Find these plans here.
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Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

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http://www.pcusa.org/nationalhealth/hea ... ndemic.htm

Pandemic flu, hurricanes, tornados, floods. Are we starting to feel like Job yet?Image

What is pandemic flu and why should we worry?
How can a new influenza virus cause a pandemic?
How can a congregation be an effective communication vehicle to disseminate important information to the members?
Food safety facts

Important downloads in this article (PDF Format)
Congregational Emergency Health Contact Form
CDC checklist for Faith-Based Organizations
Suggestions for Individual/Family Preparation
NEW A Family Guide to Pandemic Preparation


How seriously should we take the threat that avian flu will become the next pandemic flu? Given the numerous stories of outbreaks so often mentioned in the current news, will this be the next global health crisis? Are concerns about the safety of our food supply justified? There is an important role for congregations in helping support, reassure, and prepare people who are or who feel vulnerable in the face of this possible global health emergency.

Often, catastrophic health situations elsewhere in the world do not reach our shores; however, pandemic flu could well be a significant threat to the United States. Most of the health science folks are predicting that it will become a threat to the United States sometime in the next 12-15 months. It is currently a threat to many places in the world, and people who are traveling internationally, particularly to countries where cases have been recorded — China, Thailand, etc. — are currently at a greater risk.

Seeking to inform, not to frighten, National Health Ministries (NHM) is developing a new section of the Web site, designed to provide basic information about pandemic flu.

This new section of the Web site will also provide resources for use in congregations to help members understand the level of a possible threat and to help them prepare. Often, it is what we do not understand that frightens us most. Keeping Presbyterians up-to-date with reliable information and passing along the preparedness recommendations can help keep members from feeling as though they have no control. NHM will utilize the latest information that is regularly available through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and other reliable sources.

Congregations can be a communication network — a wonderful source of information — especially for people who may not be connected to other health information sources. Parish Nurses, Health Ministers, and Health Professionals in the congregations have an opportunity to inform members and allay unjustified fears. The information posted on the Web site is geared to support what congregations are already doing or preparing.


What is pandemic flu and why should we worry?
Basic information
A pandemic is a global disease outbreak. A flu pandemic occurs when a new influenza virus emerges for which people have little or no immunity and for which there is no vaccine. Pandemic flu can be any type of virulent human flu that spreads easily from person to person, causes serious illness, and can sweep across the country and around the world in very short time. The current worry is that a strain of avian flu with reach pandemic status. [Read more about Avian flu.]

Pandemic flu differs from common or seasonal flu — a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.

Avian (or bird) flu is not considered a pandemic flu at this time because human-to-human transmission has not been recorded. The H5N1 variant is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds, is deadly to domestic fowl, and can only be transmitted to humans from birds. It is dangerous because there is no human immunity and no vaccine is available.

Many scientists believe it is only a matter of time until the next influenza pandemic occurs, and the strains of avian flu now being seen appear to be the most likely culprit. The severity of the next pandemic cannot be predicted, but modeling studies suggest that the impact of a pandemic on the United States could be substantial.

This would not be the first time there has been a flu pandemic. The United States experienced three flu outbreaks during the 20th century that were categorized as “pandemic flu.” These were:

In 1918-19, "Spanish Flu" caused the highest number of known influenza deaths. More than 500,000 people died in the United States, and up to 50 million people may have died worldwide.
The "Asian Flu" in 1957-58 caused about 70,000 deaths in the United States. This virus was first identified in China in late February 1957 and had spread to the United States by June 1957.
Most recently, 1968-69, the "Hong Kong Flu" caused about 34,000 deaths in the United States. This virus was first detected in Hong Kong in early 1968 and spread to the United States later that year. Influenza A (H3N2) viruses still circulate today.

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This map shows origin points for the 1918 flu pandemic. Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How can a new influenza virus cause a pandemic?

Annual outbreaks of influenza result from slight changes/adaptations in the surface proteins of viruses which enables them to evade the immunity humans have developed to other flu viruses from previous infections or in response to vaccinations.

When a major change in either one or both of their surface proteins occurs spontaneously, a new virus is created, and no one will have partial or full immunity against infection. If this new virus also has the capacity to spread from person to person, then a pandemic will occur.

It is difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur or how severe it will be. However, wherever and whenever a pandemic starts, everyone around the world is at risk. Without a vaccination or effective prophylactic, minimizing human-to-human contact is the only effective way to diminish the spread and decrease the number of people affected. Thus a major aspect of preparation for a possible pandemic is to identify ways that human-to-human contact can be reduced, should an outbreak occur. Past pandemics have eventually run their course and it is expected that this one will as well. It is important to be as informed as possible and to think about the challenges that will be faced, particularly if a pandemic is severe.

One way of predicting the severity of a potential pandemic is to look and graph risk factors. Mapcroft, a company specializing in Web-based mapping resources that contain informationon social, economic, environmental and political issues has developed a map that displays the "Pandemic Risk Index" (PRI). The PRI is essentially composed of three weighted variables:

Risk of emergence (30%),
Risk of Spread, and,
Capacity to contain (40%).
You can view and download this map on the Mapcroft Web site. For those who want more complete information, other resources on the Maplecroft site also provide great details about the PRI and other significant factors in projecting the severity of the pandemic.

How can a congregation be an effective communication vehicle to disseminate important information to the members?

Members of congregations cannot too many times be reminded to prepare for the pandemic. New and very specific checklists have been developed to aid members in preparation. Because a picture is still often worth a 1000 words, putting together a display — such as the one pictured here of the actual items people will need is an attention getting way to focus people on what they need to do. Once folks have seen the display they will be asking for the checklists. Image

While having information about the spread of the flu and about congregation members is crucial, knowing which members of the congregation are most vulnerable is also critical. NHM has adapted a basic member information form to include data that will be important if a pandemic occurs.

The form provided here is designed to include questions that may be more applicable to urban areas and others that are more pertinent to rural areas. It is provided as a downloadable PDF and should be printed, reproduced for each member, completed and stored in a secure (but known) location. Kristine Holmes, R.N., BSN, Parish Nurse, First Presbyterian Church of Howard County has been instrumental in the development of this Congregational Emergency Health Contact Form.

How can a congregation be an effective communication vehicle to disseminate important information to the members?



Members of congregations cannot too many times be reminded to prepare for the pandemic. New and very specific checklists have been developed to aid members in preparation. Because a picture is still often worth a 1000 words, putting together a display — such as the one pictured here of the actual items people will need is an attention getting way to focus people on what they need to do. Once folks have seen the display they will be asking for the checklists.

While having information about the spread of the flu and about congregation members is crucial, knowing which members of the congregation are most vulnerable is also critical. NHM has adapted a basic member information form to include data that will be important if a pandemic occurs.

The form provided here is designed to include questions that may be more applicable to urban areas and others that are more pertinent to rural areas. It is provided as a downloadable PDF and should be printed, reproduced for each member, completed and stored in a secure (but known) location. Kristine Holmes, R.N., BSN, Parish Nurse, First Presbyterian Church of Howard County has been instrumental in the development of this Congregational Emergency Health Contact Form.

Although some might balk at providing the complete information requested on the contact sheet, in a worst-case scenario, a central source of member information could help save lives. We know that during a pandemic, services, deliveries, communication and transportation are likely to be interrupted because the people typically involved in providing services may become ill, or they too may be attempting to minimize human contact.

Congregational preparation involves developing “alternative” ways of checking on one another, and identifying who in the congregation has health issues, ongoing treatment and medical needs that will increase their vulnerability. Congregational preparation also includes helping individual members assess their particular situation and decide how their needs would be met during a major service disruption.

What can we do to prepare?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has designed a checklist for Faith-Based Organizations. It provides guidance in developing preparedness plans, communication and cooperation with community organizations.

One very important aspect of preparedness includes gathering the important organizational contact information or agencies in your community. You might want to find the local phone numbers for the agencies listed below and post them in the church office.


Red Cross
Emergency Preparedness Agency / Homeland Security
Local Public Health Department
Local Hospital
Other

Families
The United States government has announced that a vaccine against pandemic flu will not be available for at least six months after the outbreak has begun. It is also likely that medication to treat the flu will be in very short supply. This means that the only defense against flu is decreasing contact among people so that the virus cannot spread person-to-person. Businesses and schools will be ordered to close and organized gatherings, such as church services and activities, will be prohibited.

The spread of any flu virus can be decreased through good basic hygiene. However, while covering coughs, properly disposing of used tissues, using hand sanitizers, wiping down door-knobs and handrails and other frequently touched items in public places with a chlorine bleach solution and importantly, staying home if one is ill will help, this will not stop a pandemic. We must prepare for and stock supplies for an extended period of containment — home quarantine. Families should also develop communication plans so that when the government imposes containment, family members can gather where survival supplies are stored. Congregations should identify people who are at risk because of chronic medical conditions or who live alone so that someone is poised to check on them during a pandemic.

Some personal preparedness steps to take are:
  • Store a three- or four- week supply of non-perishable food. If you cannot get to a store, or stores have limited deliveries, you will need to rely on stocked items. Power disruptions are likely, so foods that do not require cooking or heating are most useful.

    Store water or purchase water purification tablets to insure safe water. You will need one gallon per person per day of safe water.

    Stock first aid supplies, prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. Ask your physician to write your prescription for at least 60–90 days so that you have an extra supply. Stock first aid and health items, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes and vitamins.

    Masks are recommended for use if someone becomes ill. Disposable N95 respirators are recommended, but like all masks must be changed periodically. Stock at least 20 per family member.

    Go back to mechanical devices since sporadic electrical power outages may occur. Be certain you have a corded telephone, wind-up clock and non-electric appliances such as can-openers, radios and lights. Buy extra batteries for battery operated radios and televisions. Collect puzzles, books, drawing paper and crayons for children.
    NHM has developed lists of items that will help families during a containment period of the pandemic flu.


These lists can be downloaded here:
  • The Big List
    Contains nonperishable food items and also suggests other non-electric items you may want to have on hand.

    The RX Supplies List
    Suggests over the counter medications and other first aid items that might become very important during a pandemic. Keep in mind that during a pandemic cuts and bruises, upset stomachs and other daily health and first aid issues will not go away.
Important resources:
  • Preparedness and planning is being done by state and community. The government's pandemic flu Web site details information for individual states and provide an outline of each state’s plan.

    If you have questions about pets and other animals in a pandemic, go to The Food and Agriculture Organization's Animal Production and Health Division Web site.

    Excellent resources for congregation are available from the Extension Service (part of the Department of Agriculture) including an online course for Faith Based organizations to use in preparing for pandemic flu.
    NEW: A Family Guide to Pandemic Preparation is available as a PDF for download.
Food safety facts

What is the government doing to protect the United States food supply from Asian bird flu?

Food safety facts

What is the government doing to protect the United States food supply from Asian bird flu?

The risk of consumer exposure to bird flu virus through foods and dietary supplements in the United States is low. Nearly all of the poultry and eggs consumed in the United States are produced domestically, and the combined efforts of the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) create a number of barriers to prevent the introduction of the Asian bird flu virus into the United States poultry flocks and food supply from either domestic or foreign sources.
[Read more about food safety.]

* FOR PDF FILES NOTED IN THIS ARTICLE GO TO LINK ABOVE!
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