American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is monitoring the developing situation with the new strain of human swine flu and is in close contact with federal and state officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Homeland Security.
As health experts across the world seek to get more information and a better understanding of the scope and severity of the swine flu outbreak, this is a good time for families, businesses and organizations to review and update their preparedness plans.
The recent news reports may be causing public concern, with people wondering what they can do. In addition to updating their preparedness plans, people should also follow common sense basic public health practices, such as covering your cough/sneeze with a tissue, frequent hand-washing, visiting a doctor for flu-like symptoms and staying home when sick.
While Red Cross organizations in Mexico and other nations provide basic medical care to the public as part of their ongoing mission, the American Red Cross and its chapters have different responsibilities, and focus more on shelter, food and mental health counseling.
The American Red Cross and its chapters will continue to work with government officials on the swine flu issue and stand ready to help as appropriate. The American Red Cross is committed to maintaining the blood supply for the public, to educating the public on preparedness and safety, and to ensuring that we can continue to provide disaster services to those in need.
If you would like to review a Flu Checklist, go to the Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapterís Web site at www.ehdoleredcross.org.
The same information is available in print by stopping by the Chapter at 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd., West, for people without internet access.
People seeking information on human swine flu should visit the CDC web site, www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.
The Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross, a United Way agency, provided this information.