Worcester, MA — H1N1 clinic.

People lined up from 8:00 a.m. on Monday waiting for the clinic to open at 4:00 p.m.

• Red Cross served over 1,400 cups of hot chocolate and coffee as people stood outside.
• An additional 9 volunteers worked inside the clinic at registration and screenings, under our newly signed Memo Of Understanding with the Medical Reserve Corps.

This was the maiden voyage of the Central Massachusetts Chapter’s new Mobile Feeding Unit. The $129,000 vehicle, fully funded by the Homeland Security Council and MMRS, is equipped with a 6 burner stove, grill, refrigerator and 4 sinks!

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Red Cross Offers Important Tips for Caring for
Someone with the Flu

WASHINGTON, Thursday, October 15, 2009 — With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting that the H1N1 (swine flu) virus has now spread throughout the United States, the American Red Cross has a set of tips for people who are sick or are taking care of someone who has the flu.

When caring for someone who has the flu:

• Disinfect door knobs, switches, handles, toys and other surfaces that everyone touches.
• Use detergent and very hot water to do dishes and wash clothes.  It’s okay to wash everyone’s dishes and clothes together.  Wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
• Designate only one adult as the caregiver.  People at increased risk of severe illness from the flu should not be caregivers.
• Deal with crisis situations calmly and confidently to give the best support to the person being cared for.
• Remember your own needs as well. 
• Practice healthy habits.  Eat a balanced diet.  Drink plenty of water.  Get regular exercise.
• Get enough sleep and rest.

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Red Cross Poll Shows Parents Still Lack H1N1 Information from Schools

The poll results come on the heels of the federal government’s new H1N1 guidelines for schools

WASHINGTON, August 7, 2009 — A poll conducted by the American Red Cross shows that while a majority of Americans are planning to take precautions against the H1N1 virus, more than a third of parents (39%) have received no flu information from their children’s school or daycare.

“With children going back to school and another flu season on the horizon, parents should talk with their children’s school or daycare about what measures the school is taking to plan for a potential flu outbreak,” said Suzy DeFrancis, Chief Public Affairs Officer for the American Red Cross. “The spring H1N1 outbreak was a clear signal that everyone needs to prepare—and that parents and schools should have plans in case the virus returns in the fall.”

As part of a family’s overall emergency planning, the Red Cross urges parents to seek out information proactively from schools regarding plans for the H1N1 virus and teach children how to lessen the spread of the virus. Teaching children simple things such as good hand washing practices or how to cover their cough or sneeze can go a long way in reducing the spread of seasonal flu and H1N1.

The Red Cross offers information about H1N1 and the seasonal flu at www.redcross.org/pandemicflu. This site contains video resources, preparedness tips and information about how to lessen the spread of the flu virus.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.blog.redcross.org.

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Coping and Emotional Well-Being

What is a pandemic? Who is at risk? What will happen? Are
my children safe? As the media reports that a swine flu (H1N1)pandemic is imminent, these thoughts may occur to you. Knowing what to expect, how to prepare and where to find needed information and support can increase your resilience,decrease your stress and minimize the impact on you and your loved ones during these difficult times.

Click “Toggle Full Screen” in the top-right corner of this document for
easy viewing:

If you are unable to view this document you can also download the pdf.

This flier helps you answer three common questions about the flu:

1. What should I do to avoid getting sick?
2. Do I have the flu?
3. What should I do when someone is sick?

Click “Toggle Full Screen” in the top-right corner of this document for easy viewing:

If you are unable to view this document you can also download the pdf.

Red Cross Urges Families and Communities to Prepare During Swine Flu Outbreak

Washing Hands, Recognizing Symptoms Key to Prevent Spread

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, April 29, 2009- Washing hands and paying close attention to symptoms of illness are just some of the things the public can to do help reduce the risk from the swine flu (H1N1) outbreak, the American Red Cross said today. “This is a serious situation that has the potential to spread, and it is a good time for families, businesses and organizations to follow good public health practices and to review and update their preparedness plans,” said Scott Conner, Senior Vice President of Preparedness and Health & Safety Services at the American Red Cross. “Taking steps to prepare for potential emergencies in advance can go a long way in making families feel safer.”

The American Red Cross urges the public to remember these simple actions:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol- based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and water aren’t available. 
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are feeling sick.

Children have been greatly impacted by this outbreak, and need to know how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs. The Red Cross has partnered with NSF International’s (NSF) Scrub Club® to educate children about the importance of hand washing to protect them against influenza. The Scrub Club Web site (www.scrubclub.org) is an easy, online tool to teach kids how to wash their hands and why it’s important. If families are asked to stay home during this outbreak, it’s important to have a plan and supplies in place before that happens. The Red Cross recommends:

• Stock extra food, water and supplies at home to reduce the need to go out should swine flu become more     widespread, limiting potential for exposure to the virus.
• Be sure to include household necessities such as laundry detergent, toilet paper, etc. Select foods that are easy to prepare and store.
• Make sure you have an adequate supply of essential medications and medical items for all family members.
• Include non-prescription medications as well.

Other preparedness steps that can be taken include:

• Plan for what you would do if you had to stay at home for a period of time.
• Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick.
• Find out your employer’s plans to keep the business open if key staff can’t come to work.
• Ask your child’s school or day care if there are plans to encourage sick children to stay home to reduce the spread of the disease.
• Identify how you can get information, whether through local radio, TV, internet or other sources.

For more tips on how to prepare yourself, your family and community for this and other potential emergencies, visit www.redcross.org.

 (Editorial note: Call (202) 303-5551 to speak with an American Red Cross subject matter expert)

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy and stop the spread of germs.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid or minimize contact with sick people (a minimum three feet distancing is recommended).
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with tissues when you cough and sneeze.  If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
• Stay away from others as much as possible when you are sick.

For general flu preparedness tips, see the American Red Cross Seasonal Flu Checklist in English and Spanish [PDF].

For more information on Human Swine Flu (H1N1), visit the CDC information page on swine flu (H1N1) or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

The Centers for Disease Control is advising people to prepare for Swine flu (H1N1):

• For more information on Swine Flu (H1N1), visit the CDC information page on the Swine flu (H1N1) or call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

• For general flu preparedness tips, see the American Red Cross Seasonal Flu Checklist in English and Spanish [PDF].

U.S. government officials declared a public health emergency due to the current Swine flu (H1N1) outbreak. The Red Cross offers three simple steps to get prepared for Swine flu (H1N1) and other emergencies.

• Get a Kit: 2-week supply of food and water; first aid kit; extra supplies of medication, sanitation and personal hygiene items.
• Make a Plan: Meet with members of your household and discuss what you would do if the Swine flu (H1N1) spreads to your community.
• Be Informed: Pay attention to local news reports and follow the guidance of local and national public health officials.