Preparedness Activities
   
    Planning
        The primary focus of the Preparedness Division is centered on the planning and organization of mass prophylaxis clinics for the residents of Hendricks County. These clinics could serve a variety of purposes and would be opened in the case of a public health emergency requiring preventive treatment to segments of the county’s population. Additional planning efforts also focus on other public health hazards such as pandemic influenza and communicable disease outbreaks.

    Collaboration
        The Preparedness Division of the Health Department also works to develop and maintain relationships with organizations and groups who are partners in emergency response. Employees from this division participate in meetings of various groups related to health and medical response.

    Exercises and Drills
        A crucial part of preparation for all emergency response agencies is to exercise the plans and procedures that have been developed. The Preparedness Division coordinates efforts for the Hendricks County Health Department to routinely test our capabilities in areas such as communication, clinic set-up and clinic flow.

    Future Efforts
        The Preparedness Division recognizes the value of community planning. Involving mental health professionals, clergy, community leaders, and other influential groups will provide the most comprehensive and unified response. This comprehensive response can then ensure greater public health outcomes following a large scale emergency. The Preparedness Division seeks to build new relationships with community leaders who have an interest in public health emergency preparedness.

Pandemic Influenza (Flu)

    What’s the difference between Pandemic Flu, Bird Flu and Seasonal Flu?

Bird flu is commonly used to refer to Avian flu. Bird flu viruses infect birds, including chickens, other poultry and wild birds such as ducks.
Avian flu (AI) is caused by influenza viruses that occur naturally among wild birds. Low pathogenic AI is common in birds and causes few problems. Highly pathogenic H5N1 is deadly to domestic fowl, can be transmitted from birds to humans, and is deadly to humans. There is virtually no human immunity and human vaccine availability is very limited.

Pandemic flu is virulent human flu that causes a global outbreak, or pandemic, of serious illness. Because there is little natural immunity, the disease can spread easily from person to person. Currently, there is no pandemic flu.

Seasonal (or common) flu is a respiratory illness that can be transmitted person to person. Most people have some immunity, and a vaccine is available.

The Preparedness Division has worked in collaboration with Hendricks County response partners on the development of the Hendricks County Pandemic Influenza and Highly Infectious Respiratory Diseases Standard Operating Guidelines. To view the complete document, click here. (Dec07Plan.pdf) This guidance is to provide an approach for the Hendricks County Health Department on how to respond before, during and after a pandemic situation. It details the activities identified as the responsibility of the local health department within the State plan.

Hendricks County Medical Reserve Corps

    History
        September 11, 2001
        Thousands of volunteers show up at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, Pennsylvania
            · No way to ID or credential
            · Not covered under liability laws
            · No Incident Command Structure (ICS)
            · Difficult to manage
        Without prior registration, training, and credentialing, thousands were unable to help.

    MRC Concept
        · Establish groups of volunteers with interest in strengthening local public health system and
                providing help in emergencies
        · Units are not first responders, but rather they assist & support existing community response resources
        · Organize/utilize locally
        · Identify, credential, train and prepare in advance

    Citizen Corps Council Vision
        MRC is part of Citizen Corps Council
            · Mission is to utilize the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer
                service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of
                terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds.

Visit the Medical Reserve Corps National Office website for additional information:     www.medicalreservecorps.gov

To register to become a Hendricks County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer, click on the following link:

Hendricks County MRC site


What YOU can do to prepare

    Create an emergency communication plan for your family
    Establish a meeting place
    Assemble a disaster supply kit
    Stock up on food and water
        (Family Disaster Supplies Calendar PDF document)

    If a large scale emergency occurs
        * remain calm and be patient
        * follow the instructions of local emergency officials
        * listen to your radio or television for information and instructions
        * call your family contact and then only use the phone if it is a life-threatening emergency
        * confine and secure your pets

Resources

CDC Website for Bioterrorism and Emergency Preparedness Information
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/

American Public Health Association
http://www.apha.org/

Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/

Ready.gov
http://www.ready.gov

Indiana State Department of Health
http://www.in.gov/isdh/

Citizen Corps
http://www.citizencorps.gov/

Pandemic Flu
http://pandemicflu.gov/