(October 13, 2006) Saskatoon – As part of its pandemic influenza preparations, the Saskatoon Health Region is offering pandemic influenza information sessions for the public.
"It is important that individuals be involved in pandemic planning to better determine their understanding, cooperation and appropriate actions they need to take to minimize deaths, illness and disruption during a pandemic," says Dr. David Torr, Deputy Medical Health Officer, Saskatoon Health Region. "The information sessions are one way to help people understand what a pandemic influenza is, the implications, and what you can do to minimize the impact."
Since 1889, pandemic influenza has occurred every 10 - 40 years. The last pandemic influenza was in 1968 and experts believe we are now overdue for the next pandemic. It is a question of when, not if.
Pandemic influenza preparedness is ongoing throughout the world at all levels of government, communities and organizations. The Saskatoon Health Region has been developing its influenza preparedness plan since 2004 and is currently writing a second version of the plan.
The pandemic influenza information sessions consist of a short presentation followed by a question and answer period with local experts.
In Saskatoon, the sessions take place:
October 18 @ 7 – 8 p.m. Marion Graham Collegiate (602 Lenore Drive.)
October 24 @ 2 – 3 p.m. Frances Morrison Library Auditorium (311 23rd St. East)
October 26 @ 7 – 8 p.m. Cliff Wright Auditorium - Lakewood Civic Centre (1635 McKercher Drive)
November 1 @ 7 – 8 p.m. King George School (721 Avenue K South)
November 8 @ 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Convocation Hall, College Building, Administration Place, U of S
November 23 @ 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Cosmo Civic Centre (3130 Laurier Drive)
In the rural areas, the sessions take place:
October 25 @ 7 – 8 p.m. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Boardroom, Humboldt, SK
November 13 @ 7 – 8 p.m. Golden Acres Activity Room, Wynyard, SK
November 30 @ 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Watrous Hospital Multi-Purpose Room, Watrous, SK
For information about the Pandemic Influenza information sessions please call 655- 4408.
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For more information, media should contact:
Kerilyn Voigt, Corporate and Public Affairs Advisor
Saskatoon Health Region
306-655-3386
Saskatoon Health Region
"Healthiest people, healthiest communities, exceptional service."
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