Getting back to learning how to take care of each other: Preparing for pandemic influenza

The recent threat of pandemic influenza is of significant concern. The anticipation is that a long overdue pandemic may have its origins in the avian influenza that has resulted in significant mortality following human infection. In recent months there have been increased reports of death due to this influenza. There is potential for this to rapidly become a pandemic. The aggressive nature of this illness may outpace the development of an effective vaccine and may also exhaust supplies of anti-viral therapy. What can a community do to survive? This project involved the establishment of a community based program to prepare for pandemic influenza. The purpose was to educate individuals in a community about pandemic influenza and prepare a plan of action for individuals in a community setting to support each other during this crisis. The development of the program began with a review of past responses to pandemics. The project was an investigation into what a local community could do to survive pandemic influenza. The actual community plan, called ‘Healthwatch' was developed and presented to a large community organization and to a smaller health-oriented group. Feedback from each group was reviewed. It was apparent that a general set of recommendations had to be tailored to the specific arrangements and needs of each community. The response by each group indicated concern regarding pandemic influenza and genuine interest in moving forward with a community approach. The Healthwatch concept was well received by each group.