RCHC Community Project Abstracts

H1N1 Influenza: Patient Education and Preparation in Jefferson County
Date of project: 8/3/2009

With the most current novel influenza virus pandemic sweeping our planet, no locale however small seems immune. Although Jefferson County has yet to confirm a case of H1N1 this year, its residents are still worried and questioning what this coming flu season will bring. After attending the H1N1 Influenza Preparedness Summit in Salem as well as meeting with local representatives from the health department and surrounding clinics, I have learned that patient education with a consistent message will be the key to preventing a widespread outbreak in this community as well as abating much of the fear surrounding this pandemic. My goal in this project was to create materials for the Madras Medical Group (MMG) clinic to use this coming season to educate its specific patient population about H1N1 in order to encourage early preventative measures and limit spread among the community. Through a presentation to the MMG on the current H1N1 status in our state, my goal was also to provide clear and accurate information on treatment and prevention to the medical staff so that they might pass this information along to their patients, families and friends.

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