Public Health Launches Emergency Preparedness Week
Written by admin, May 7, 2012
May 7, 2012 – Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic?
Community Invited to Free Event on May 10
In recognition of Emergency Preparedness Week from May 6-12, 2012, Peterborough Public Health together with its partners are inviting the community to a free event called “Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic?” taking place this Thursday, May 10 at the Evinrude Centre.
This event will provide an update on the current status of potential pandemic viruses in the world and an opportunity to ensure community partners are prepared in the post-H1N1 era. Participants will also learn about personal preparedness to get ready for the next pandemic.
“Even though we pulled together to respond to H1N1, now is the time to engage the community in planning for the next pandemic to ensure we have strong systems and communications in place,” said Edwina Dusome, Manager, Infectious Disease Program at Public Health. “Our goal is to manage the risk of future pandemics as best we can by creating opportunities like these for the public and community organizations to prepare themselves.”
Speakers will include Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health, Margaret Jay, Lead Infection Control Coordinator from the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and JoAnn Kropf-Hedley from Emergency Management Ontario. Admission is free of charge and light refreshments will be available. Details of the event are as follows:
WHEN: Thursday, May 10, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon
WHERE: Evinrude Centre, 911 Monaghan Road, Peterborough
TO REGISTER: Visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca or email cschofield@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
While this event will be of interest to the general public, it will be of particular value to local emergency response workers, healthcare providers, business leaders, and agricultural workers.
This event is being organized by the Peterborough Interagency Outbreak Planning Team comprised of several community partners, including Public Health, Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Primary Care Services of Peterborough, City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, Curve Lake First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, United Way, Trent University, Fleming College, Chamber of Commerce, Community Access Centre, local long-term care homes and both local school boards.
To review Public Health’s updated Pandemic Plan, visit www.pcchu-testing.ca/IC/IC-pandemic-plan.html .
For further information about registering for this event, please call (705) 743-1000, ext. 257.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Supervisor
(705) 743-1000, ext. 391