by Steve Lovejoy, MSU Extension associate director of programming
While we are focused on maintaining our resources, we cannot forget that our stakeholders still have real problems and we can assist them by providing the best information available. Changing information on the H1N1 virus dominates the news media as we move into the traditional flu season. Forecasts from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) predict that infections will increase this flu season with the virus being potentially dangerous for children, pregnant women and the elderly. MSU Extension can be a critical player in getting information to these audiences and others who may not have access to the most current CDC information. Our relationships with so many community partners are an important asset in raising awareness about the virus, ways to prevent its spread and recommended steps to take if the virus is contracted. Our unique relationships with agricultural producers are also an opportunity for us to raise awareness about biosecurity procedures to protect Michigan’s animals and those who care for them.
To ensure that MSU Extension understands the questions and can supply credible, science-based responses, we have created an H1N1 committee. Their job is to ensure that MSU Extension is able to respond quickly in a coordinated, responsible manner to our own staff as well as the many program participants, citizens and community partners. Nancy Axtell, Ruth Borger, Dawn Contreras, Julie Chapin, Ann Nieuwenhuis and Michelle Rodgers and Molly Polverento represent MSUE on this committee. They are joined by David Weismantel from the College of Medicine and representatives from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and the Department of Human Services. Ann Nieuwenhuis chairs the committee.
The committee supports and will follow MSU’s strategy of referring people to the latest information on the Center for Disease control and other community health sites. The university Web site outlines the response to the H1N1 response with helpful information and links.
We must all work together to limit and control the transmission of H1N1 influenza. The more we can do to enhance local response, the more we can minimize the negative impact to our communities.
What can you do? Be the eyes and ears of your community, forward questions and concerns to the committee, share the “vetted” information back to your community and take appropriate actions to safe guard your family.
And remember these words from Marja Esveld, Healthcare Inspectorate, The Netherlands, “The only thing more difficult than planning would be explaining why you did not do it!”
