Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.daily-tribune.com/index.cfm?event=news.view&id=9EB24B78-19B9-E2E2-677943FFD4785647
Preparing for pandemic: Leaders look at emergency operations plan
Danielle Swanson
Staff Writer
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008
Bartow County officials, first responders and other critical needs providers washed their hands of pandemic influenza -- and other contagious diseases -- on Wednesday.
During an influenza prevention exercise at the Bartow County Public Health Pandemic Influenza Summit, members of the local pandemic influenza task force learned the proper technique for washing their hands in order to prevent the spread of germs, an important tool in the fight of spreading any contagious disease.
In addition to learning how to properly clean their hands, participants also received a current copy of the Bartow County Public Health Emergency Operations Plan.
"I would say it's going to happen much sooner than people expect," Josh Bornstein, director of Emergency Preparedness for Northwest Georgia Public Health, told the crowd gathered at the Cartersville Civic Center for the event.
Bornstein presented historical evidence about past pandemics, information about the migration pattern of birds and spread of the avian influenza and examples of how the community could work together in a situation where 30 to 60 percent of the workforce was not in attendance due to illness or fear.
"When you look at other disease patterns we've seen, when it hits Atlanta, it zips straight up [Interstate] 75," said Cathy Green, Bartow County Public Health nurse manager, of the ability of the disease to spread to Bartow County.
The summit was the second event of its kind with the first being held when the group originally started planning. Critical members have also held additional meetings over the past two years.
"We've got some great plans in Bartow, but still, all of you know, you don't work extra people just in case" a pandemic happens, Green said. "The more the economy tightens, the harder it gets."
Green said the group of about 85 was only about half of the pandemic task force's total members, with many being unable to attend due to vacation or other obligations. However, she said the task force was a dedicated group and helped to prepare the county for a pandemic or other emergency disaster.
"We're very, very fortunate we live in Bartow County," she said.
Preparing for pandemic: Leaders look at emergency operations plan
Danielle Swanson
Staff Writer
Thursday, Jun 19, 2008
Bartow County officials, first responders and other critical needs providers washed their hands of pandemic influenza -- and other contagious diseases -- on Wednesday.
During an influenza prevention exercise at the Bartow County Public Health Pandemic Influenza Summit, members of the local pandemic influenza task force learned the proper technique for washing their hands in order to prevent the spread of germs, an important tool in the fight of spreading any contagious disease.
In addition to learning how to properly clean their hands, participants also received a current copy of the Bartow County Public Health Emergency Operations Plan.
"I would say it's going to happen much sooner than people expect," Josh Bornstein, director of Emergency Preparedness for Northwest Georgia Public Health, told the crowd gathered at the Cartersville Civic Center for the event.
Bornstein presented historical evidence about past pandemics, information about the migration pattern of birds and spread of the avian influenza and examples of how the community could work together in a situation where 30 to 60 percent of the workforce was not in attendance due to illness or fear.
"When you look at other disease patterns we've seen, when it hits Atlanta, it zips straight up [Interstate] 75," said Cathy Green, Bartow County Public Health nurse manager, of the ability of the disease to spread to Bartow County.
The summit was the second event of its kind with the first being held when the group originally started planning. Critical members have also held additional meetings over the past two years.
"We've got some great plans in Bartow, but still, all of you know, you don't work extra people just in case" a pandemic happens, Green said. "The more the economy tightens, the harder it gets."
Green said the group of about 85 was only about half of the pandemic task force's total members, with many being unable to attend due to vacation or other obligations. However, she said the task force was a dedicated group and helped to prepare the county for a pandemic or other emergency disaster.
"We're very, very fortunate we live in Bartow County," she said.