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| Health Ministries Association |
AVIAN FLU INFORMATION FOR FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONSA Special HMA E-AnnouncementDaily we hear or read items in the news related to the Avian Flu H5N1. Members of our faith communities are asking what does this all means for us as individuals and as a community of faith. The CDC states that the collaboration of Faith-based and Community Organizations with public health agencies will be essential in protecting the public's health and safety if and when an influenza pandemic occurs. Below is a list of web sites that provide answers to some of the issues being raised and preparedness checklists to work from in response. Dept. of Health & Human Services Pandemic Planning Update - March 13, 2006 Provides background information as well as the expected activities through August-September 2006. http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/panflu20060313.pdf Avian Influenza Update from the Center for Disease Control The CDC provides key facts, common questions and their answers, as well as a description of the current situation. Pages may be downloaded in printer friendly format. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/index.html One stop access to U.S. Government avian and pandemic flu information This web site provides definitions, news about state meetings, outline of the plan of each state, and an extensive list of resources. Checklists are offered for individual and family planning, business planning, school planning, health care planning, and community planning. http://www.pandemicflu.gov Faith-based & Community Organization Pandemic Preparedness Checklist The collaboration of Faith-Based and Community Organizations with public health agencies will be essential in protecting the public's health and safety if and when an influenza pandemic occurs. This checklist provides guidance for religious organizations (churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, etc.), social service agencies that are faith-based, and community organizations in developing and improving influenza pandemic response and preparedness plans. Many of the points suggested here can improve your organization's ability to protect your community during emergencies in general. http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/faithcomchecklist.html As people providing health ministries we will have to address issues related to anxiety, fear and faith. Rev. David F. Carlson provides two resources that may help: What if the Avian Flu Hits Us!! Facing the unknown future with fear and faith and Facing the Future Unknowns …but what can I do? These are available as pdf downloads at: http://www.healthministries.info/flu.html As we learn of other resources helpful to faith-based programs they will be shared. HEALTH MINISTRIES ASSOCIATION
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