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Published: Friday, September 1, 2006 12:31 PM CDT
By KRISTIN BUEHNER, of The Globe Gazette
MASON CITY — A pandemic flu preparedness campaign in which local grocery stores will play a key role was unveiled today by county health department officials.
Seven grocery stores in Mason City, Clear Lake and Rockwell will participate, said Michele Appelgate, public information officer for the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
It is the first time the health department has enlisted the help of grocers to disseminate information they believe is vital regarding preparing for a flu pandemic they say will occur.
“It’s difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur,” Appelgate said.
But the World Health Organization believes the world is on the brink of one, said Karen Crimmings, disease prevention and investigation service manager at the health department. “It’s not if this going to happen,” she said. “It’s when and how severe.”
Beginning Friday, Sept. 8, and continuing for four weeks, grocery store clerks will hand out educational flyers about flu preparedness with the customer’s receipt. New flyers, presenting additional information, will be given out each week, beginning Fridays. The last flyer will be dispensed on Friday, Sept. 29.
Each flyer will be a different color.
Published: Friday, September 1, 2006 12:31 PM CDT
By KRISTIN BUEHNER, of The Globe Gazette
MASON CITY — A pandemic flu preparedness campaign in which local grocery stores will play a key role was unveiled today by county health department officials.
Seven grocery stores in Mason City, Clear Lake and Rockwell will participate, said Michele Appelgate, public information officer for the Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health.
It is the first time the health department has enlisted the help of grocers to disseminate information they believe is vital regarding preparing for a flu pandemic they say will occur.
“It’s difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur,” Appelgate said.
But the World Health Organization believes the world is on the brink of one, said Karen Crimmings, disease prevention and investigation service manager at the health department. “It’s not if this going to happen,” she said. “It’s when and how severe.”
Beginning Friday, Sept. 8, and continuing for four weeks, grocery store clerks will hand out educational flyers about flu preparedness with the customer’s receipt. New flyers, presenting additional information, will be given out each week, beginning Fridays. The last flyer will be dispensed on Friday, Sept. 29.
Each flyer will be a different color.
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