CEOT Prepares Bird Flu Education Programs

Written by Matt Strayer

Friday, 14 July 2006

Logan County residents will soon learn more about pandemic bird flu.

"Chicks dig guys who wash their hands," reads one of several posters Logan County residents will soon see hanging at area businesses and schools as part of a hand-washing campaign tied to the Catastrophic Emergency Operations Team "Roadmap to Preparedness" campaign.

Public education was the focus of Friday morning's meeting of the CEOT. Lesley Rowan, Public Information Officer for the Logan County Health District, presented programs developed by a public education workgroup intended to inform the public about pandemic bird flu and other disasters.

The team was also informed of booklets that will be handed out at the Logan County Fair.

Logan County EMA Director Helen Norris said that a planning workgroup has reviewed federal and state pandemic flu response plans and will formulate a draft for a Logan County plan before the next meeting.

The team also discussed concerns regarding training and public expectations of law enforcement, fire and rescue and EMS first responders in the event pandemic flu would hit Logan County. They stressed that such a situation would not only impact the public, but also response forces. Therefore, personal preparedness is vitally important to help ease first responder overload.

The CEOT, which includes Health District officials, Mary Rutan representatives, Commissioners, chief law enforcement and fire officials and other agency representatives, will meet again August 25th.

Source:  www.peakofohio.com