The Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association (NWCOVNA) is actively involved in planning to meet public health responsibilities in times of emergency or disaster. NWCOVNA has a role in all hazards preparedness to implement policies or programs and provide health information to the public in order to prevent and mitigate public health emergencies. NWCOVNA has a primary responsibility for responding to the health and medical needs of the public generated by a disease outbreak in Routt, Moffat and Jackson Counties. NWCOVNA has a supporting role in providing technical expertise and assistance to other first responders during other types of disasters.

For more information visit:
Routt County Web site: http://www.yampavalley.info/emergency0002.asp
Moffat County Web Site: http://www.moffatcountysheriff.com/oem2.htm

Public Health Preparations for Pandemic and Avian Flu

Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association (NWCOVNA) is working to improve the public health infrastructure in Moffat, Routt and Jackson Counties.  Our planning addresses response to all communicable diseases, including avian flu and pandemic influenza. 

• Enhanced communication infrastructure has been developed which includes policies and procedures for communications with health care providers, the public, community partners and elected officials.  Quarterly tests are conducted to check the accuracy of contact information 

• Established relationships are maintained between public health and infection control at hospitals.

• Development of guidance to workplace and individual communicable disease preventive measures and preparation

• Training of staff on use of personal protective measures, including use of respiratory protection.

• Flu clinics held in the community allow us to practice our emergency clinic operations procedures and to train volunteers.

• Response activities are integrated to state and federal plans.  Northwest Colorado Visiting Nurse Association relies on their guidance for definition of priority groups in the event of limited vaccine.

Preparedness Checklists

Business Planning Checklist
http://health.mesacounty.us/disease/pandemicavianflu/businessChecklist.pdf

Faith Based Communities
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/pdf/communitychecklist.pdf

Individuals & Families
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/pdf/Individuals.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic/
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/professional/
http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/bt/panflu.html 

New Preparedness Fact Sheets Available on Get Ready Web Site
APHA’s new Get Ready Web site now includes fact sheets for the public on the topics of all-hazards preparedness and preparing for and preventing the spread of emerging infectious diseases. A new bioterrorism fact sheet targeted at policy-makers and the media is also available. These fact sheets are available in html and printer-friendly PDF formats at www.apha.org/getready/pg_facts.htm.

Complete a Survey for a Chance to Win an Emergency Preparedness Kit
Please take part in a brief survey to help APHA assess the preparedness of public health workers and leaders. The survey is multiple-choice and will take less than five minutes to complete. Participants who submit a completed survey BEFORE the start of the Annual Meeting will be automatically enrolled in a raffle to win an emergency preparedness kit valued at over $350. Please click here to participate in the survey.

The results of this survey, while not scientific, will help us determine what materials and information will be most useful to the general public. Members can find a brief overview of the preliminary survey results and view the emergency preparedness kit at the Get Ready Booth #1072 at APHA's Public Health Expo in the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. The winner of the raffle will be contacted by Nov. 15. Special thanks to those in APHA’s Statistics Section who helped with the structure and wording of the questions.